Kayakalpa , Kutipravesika (kuti), Rasayana

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expand life and make it more meaningful is rasayana

medicine that do not allow the body to become ill, nurture strenght,
happiness, self- esteem and contentment, cleansing the internal
environment of the body, mind and psyche.

promoting the total development of the individual is rasyanana no

point in longevity otherwise

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sour

in sour and citrus fruits

enhances flow of digestive juices

salt

promotes saliva, softens food and sharpens appetite

pungent

pepers and spices

ginger and garlic

sharps appetite, promotes digestion

leavfy greans

bitter

cleansing action on bodies channels

astringent

beans, green vegetables and honey

like spunges, absorb toxins in system

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fire balanced by sweet, bitter and astringent

air: sweet sour and salty

water: bitter astringent and pungent

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Rasayana

http://www.boloji.com/ayurveda/av047.htm

Ayurveda Inducting Rasayana Therapy in Our Daily Routine by Dr.

Krishna R.S

Ayurveda , the oldest health science has eight branches. Rasayana

(rejuvenation) is one of them. Rasa has different meanings like
juice, taste, essence, flavor or emotion, but is not limited to any
of these in itself. In therapeutic process Rasa is concerned with
the conservation, transformation, and revitalization of energy. Rasa
nourishes our body, boosts immunity and helps to keep the body and
mind in best of health.
The Aim Of Rasayana

The Rasayana therapy enhances the qualities of rasa, enriches it with

nutrients. With such enriched excellent Rasa, one attains longevity,
memory, intelligence, freedom from disorder, youthfulness, excellence
of luster, complexion & voice, optimum development of physique and
sense organs, mastery over phonetics, respectability and brilliance.

Types of Rasayana

1. Types of rasayana preparations which can be consumed according to

the needs.

a). Kamya Rasayanas

Kamya rasayanas are promoters of normal health. These boost body

energy levels, immunity and general health.

* Pranakamya - romoter of vitality and longevity

* Medhakamya - Promoter of intelligence.

* Srikamya - Promoter of complexion.

b). Naimittika Rasayana

Naimittika rasayanas help to fight a specific disease.

2. Types of Rasayanas on the basis of place of Therapy

a). Kuti Praveshika Rasayana - Indoor Rasayana Therapy.

b). Vatatapika Rasayana - Outdoor Rasayana Therapy.

3. Types of Rasayanas On the basis of diet and life styles.

a). Aushdha Rasayana - Drug Based Rasayana.

b). Ahara Rasayana - Dietary Rasayana.

c). Achara Rasayana - Lifestyle Rasayana.

Preparation for Rasayana Therapy

It is very essential for a person who wishes to undergo rasayana

therapy to undergo samshodhana (detoxification) as a preparatory
procedure. The samshodhana process detoxifies both body and mind. A
detoxified body and mind is a like a clean cloth which readily absorbs
the color in which it has been dipped unlike a soiled cloth which
looks soiled even after coloring with best colors.

But when a person is not eligible for samshodhana or is not able to

get samshodhana then he can also consume rasayana preparations which
still boost the qualities of rasa in his body.

Effect of Rasayana Therapy

Rasayana therapy enriches nutritional quality of Rasa, enhances

digestion and metabolism by normalizing agni or body fire, and
promoting the competence of channels

Benefits of Rasayana

The main purpose of Rasayana therapy is to retard the aging process

and to delay the degenerative process in the body.
 * It enhances the intelligence, memory, body strength, luster of
the skin, and modulation of voice

* It nourishes the blood, lymph, muscles, tissues, semen, and thus

prevents Chronic degenerative disorders like Arthritis.

* Improves metabolic process and quality of body tissues and

eradicates diseases of old age.

* Helps to attain optimal physical strength and sharpness of sense

organs.

* Rasayana has marked action on reproductive organs and also

nourishes shukra dhatu (semen).

* Rasayana nourishes the whole body and improves Immune system and
hence the natural resistance to infection will be more.

By following Achara Rasayana one can be more Satvik and surge ahead
in the spiritual field by his pure daily routines like speaking
truth, not getting angry, by having control over his sense organs and
calmness.

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Natural Foods which Act as Rasayanas

Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula)

It is called as Haritaki because it cures all the diseases. It has

been alternatively named as Abhaya with appreciation on its action
since it bestows permanent long life to those who use it always. It
is also known as Vijaya since it is a conqueror of all the diseases.

Fresh, round and heavy fruits of Haritaki are always best. The fruits
should sink in water and also be devoid of any diseases. Such fruits
are rich in taste and potency.
The fruit should be slit into two or three pieces and the seed should
be removed. Such fruit pieces are cooked with four parts of water
till they soften. Then they should be removed and allowed to cool.
One part of ghee and one part of honey is added to this and kept
aside for three days. It should be consumed later taking care of
digestion power. After this rasayana is digested shstika sahli rice
with cow's milk is consumed. By using this Rasayana one will be free
from wrinkles, baldness and premature graying of hair. This gives very
good memory power, eye sight and a long healthy life.

GheeGhee (Clarified Butter)

It is the best known Rasayana which is a very good rejuvenator and

Longevity promoter. It also improves digestion, has soothing effects
on the nervous system, improves the glow of skin, enhances memory
power, helps to retain the grasped matters and increases ojus.

Ghee has a very good rate of absorption and it is a very good medium
for transporting the nutrients of the food to the tissue.

So make sure that you use a spoon of Ghee to your daily food which
is very easily and readily available to one and all. (This is not
applicable to people who have high blood cholesterol).

Lemons

LemonThese are very rich source of Vitamin C and are known for there
unique action like improving the resistance to cold, controlling the
bleeding of gums, healing wounds and formation of scar tissue. The
lemon acts as purifier and nourishing agent. Squeeze half lime in a
glass of lukewarm water and add two tea spoons of honey to it. This
helps to reduce weight when consumed in empty stomach at early hours
of day.

Ginger
GingerGinger improves digestion, removes ama (body toxin which causes
diseases). Hence it is accepted world wide as medicine. Always use dry
ground ginger which is more concentrated in its effects and flavor.
Sprinkle little dry ginger powder on a spoon of lemon juice and add
little salt. This should be consumed forty-five minutes before meals
to have a very good appetite and digestion.

Cumin SeedsCumin Seeds

Cumin seeds helps in digestion, digests and expels and balances

doshas.

To expel body toxins start the day with drinking Luke warm water with
powdered cumin and ginger.

Green Gram or MungGreen Gram

Green gram is very light to digest and are best for people who have
digestion problems. They are among the best legumes for there supreme
digestibility and health giving qualities. Those who prefer light food
can opt for this food.

Dates and FigsDates and Figs

These are known excellent source of energy. They also help to build
the body tissues and improve the hemoglobin percentage. Hence eat two
to three dates or figs a day.

AlmondsAlmonds

These are nourishing and life-supporting. Eat five to six Almonds a

day to build energy and strength. It is proved that Almonds helps in
reducing the blood Cholesterol levels. Almonds are also known to help
in improving memory.

lassiLassi

It is a beverage prepared by mixing two part of water and one part of

yogurt. It can be made as a sweet beverage by adding little sugar or
honey and little ground cardamom. For people who do not like sweet
taste it can be made as a delicious salt and sour beverage by adding
roasted cumin seeds and little salt. It is an excellent nutritive,
digestive beverage and can be used during meals or taken as a desert
after meal.

Seasonal Fruits

Always use the juicy fresh fruits which are available in the season.
They are of high nutritive value and are body purifiers also.

Along with all these food and medicinal Rasayana one should follow
Achara Rasayana (Moral Conduct) to have very good effects of rasayana.

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http://www.ayurvedaindia.org/KayakalpaRejuvenation.htm

Vrindavan Kaya Kalpa / Rejuvenation

Kaya kalpa refers to total transformation and transmutation on the

physical, mental and spiritual levels and is a rare combination of
philosophy, theology and therapy. Human body decays and its functional
capacity are decreased under the changes occurring in the body.
Rasayana therapy is the concept of management of constitutional
changes in the ageing process Very recently several techniques
have been evolved to regulate the physiological and psychological
processes. The various forms of yogic meditation, relaxation,
biofeedback and autogenic training are now gaining recognition in
the field of clinical medicine which plays a major role in retaining
ageing process, opening doors for life extension and maintenance of
best of physical, mental and spiritual health.

Vrindavan Kaya Kalpa attempts to correlate various scientific facts

gathered, over the years with natural approaches described in
Ayurvedic Shastra including daily habits, rejuvenation and principles
of yoga and age-old unique concept of "Kutipraveshika Rasayanas".
These include early morning rise, drinking "Shadang Paniyam" (natural
herbomineral water in its purest form which is 100% analogous to our
body fluids, Ayurvedic Massage and Udvartana therapy according to
Ayurveda recipes of oils and herbs which are custom prepared depending
upon the constitutional status. Apart from the regular Vrindavan
Panchakarma the other treatments like Shiro Vasti, Hrid Vasti, Jaanu
Vasti, Uro Vasti, Avaghanam (tub bath of Herbal decoctions and flowers
of Medicinal plants), following Vrindavan Yogic practices, Stress
Management, Ayurvedic Nutrition, Rejuvenation by Natural organic foods
etc.

Vrindavan Kaya kalpa Kuti Praveshika Rasayana treatment is carried

out in an specially constructed cottage according to Vrindavan
Sthapatya Ayurveda specification in an auspicious ground on the
outskirts of town near a place of worship and in the proximity of holy
persons.Vedic rituals has to be followed and specified time, season,
duration and rule of dietetics be taken care while taking the patient
into cottage by physician who is well versed with this concept with
qualified and well trained Ayurvedic Therapists. Generally the period
extends from 21 to 90 days as according to the purpose, diagnosis and
management plan

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http://www.lifepositive.com/body/ayurveda/The_Elixir_of_Youth42005.asp

by Prabhath P

Immortality may not yet be sighted but the legendary kayakalpa, still
in practice, staves off the effects of old age, restoring youth and
increasing lifespan.
An elixir of youth capable of at least reversing the ravages of aging,
if not bestowing immortality, has always been one of the enduring
dreams of humanity. Though immortality still remains beyond reach,
there is an ancient practice, kayakalpa, that restores youth and
increases lifespan. Kaya means body (physical and subtle) and kalpa
means transformation. Kayakalpa aims to arrest the degeneration of the
body by rejuvenating, immunising and regenerating the body cells and
tissues through a holistic transformation of mind, body and soul. It
is best to do kayakalpa before the age of sixty.

Kayakalpa Principles and Methods

The roots of kayakalpa can be traced back to tantra and the ancient
healing systems of siddha and ayurveda. Physical degeneration and
regeneration happens through decay (catabolic) and the cellular
growth processes (anabolic). Kayakalpa brings these processes into
equilibrium through purification and nourishment. Thus degenerative
diseases are cured through comprehensive rejuvenation ensuring
longevity. Legendary siddha seers are believed to have lived for
thousands of years using kayakalpa.

Herbal medicinal elixirs in paste form called rasayana constitute the

essential aspect of kayakalpa treatment. Rasayanas are given only
after purifying and detoxifying the body. Before rasayana therapy,
the unique tridosha type is determined to tailor the treatment
accordingly. In the classical ayurvedic text, Charaka Samhita, there
is an exclusive chapter on rasayana. Ashtangahridaya also describes
rasayana. The five-fold purification treatment panchakarma, swedakarma
(induced sweating), suitable and nutritious diet, yoga and meditation
are integral to kayakalpa. There are only approximately hundred
practitioners of kayakalpa in the world.

According to Dr. Sreeraj, Resident Doctor, Rajah Healthy Acres, a

division of Rajah Ayurvedic Hospitals, Kerala, "The rasayana chikitsa
is still very relevant as a preventive measure and also as a curative
measure. The fast pace of modern society is a cause for various
physical and mental illnesses. So rasayana therapy is the suitable
remedy for most of these problems."

Rasayanas increase ojas (life's vitality) and sattva guna (mental/

spiritual clarity), balance the humors tridosha (vata, pitta, kapha)
and maintains rasa, the vital fluid produced by digestion, which
sustains life, leading to enhanced immunity. Some important rasyanas
are chyavanaprash, agastya rasayana, drakshadi lehya, ashwagandhadi
rasayana and brahma rasayana. These rasayanas are made from herbs
like amalaki (gooseberry, a powerful rejuvenative herb), haritiki,
triphala, bhringaraja, ashwagandha, punarnava and chitraka.

Ancient kayakalpa originally involved two modes of therapy.

Kutipravesika: Kutipravesika means living in a kuti (cottage). The

patient was required to undergo all the kayakalpa procedures, living
in hibernation in a specially constructed cottage secluded from the
world, for 90 days. This is a process that requires intense discipline
and only very few yogis were able to meet the challenge. Legend has
it that the first ever kutipravesika procedure was conducted by the
celestial physicians Ashwini Kumars for the senile sage Chyavana who
thus regained youth.

Vatatapika: This is an easier method mainly involving rasayana

therapy only, which can be carried on while leading a regular life.
Panchakarma and withdrawal from the world are not required. But
benefits are only moderate compared to kutipravesika.

Rajah Healthy Acres became the first institution in India, in nearly

hundred years, to conduct the rigorous kutiprave sika kayakalpa
rasayana treatment. The patient was Columbian, Perseo Agualimpia, 51,
from Miami, who came with the complaints of partial loss of hearing,
indigestion, ulcer and knee-joint pain. Perseo's interest in Buddhism,
Tibetan medicine, Mata Amritanandamayi, and his experience in yoga
and meditation made him confident of volunteering for the challenging
hibernative healing process.

A panel of six ayurvedic experts provided guidance for the project

while the resident doctors of Rajah Healthy Acres conducted the daily
procedures. Perseo was put through 45 days of preparatory procedures.

Preliminary Procedures:

o Abhyanga (complete body massage)

o Snehapana (drinking the medicated ghee indukantham)

o Elakizhi (medicated oil massage with herbal poultices)

o Pizhichil (massaging body by squeezing linen dipped in herbal oil)

o Swedana (induced sweating)

Panchakarma Purification Therapies:

o Virechana (purgation)

o Different types of vasti (medicated enema)

o Vamana (induced vomiting)

o Nasya (nasal cleaning with herbal drops)

Other Procedures:

o Karnapooranam (cleaning the ears with herbal medication)

o Nethratharpanam (eye drops)

o Shirovasti (retaining herbal oil on head)

Afterwards, Perseo was confined to a specially built kuti hut. He was

asked to do an offering (dana) as per ancient guidelines before he
entered the kuti. The arrangements were the following:

o Blue window curtains were provided because the patient liked blue.

o All electric lights were removed except blue zero-watt bulbs in the
bedroom and drawing room.

o The bed was replaced by grass mats (methapaya).

o Nets to repel mosquitoes, flies.

o Fan was not given at first but was provided later when the patient
requested.

o Telephone, TV, refrigerator, mirrors, clocks and calendars were not

allowed.

o CD player to hear chantings was allowed.

o A bystander always stayed in the adjacent room and the same doctor
visited the patient regularly.

o The kuti was fumigated once in three days.

o Fresh clothing and bed sheets were provided daily.

o No visitors were allowed.

o Daytime naps were not allowed

o He was not allowed to meet women.

o Vehicles were removed from the cottage premises.

Perseo's daily routine in the kuti:

o 6 a.m. Waking up

o Yoga session

o Warm cow's milk was the only drink allowed

o 8.15 a.m.: Regular visit by the doctor

o 8.30 a.m.: Abhyanga (oil massage) and bath in warm water for body,
and lukewarm water for head

o 9.30 a.m.: Brahma Rasayana is given on empty stomach starting with

150 gms which was gradually increased over many days to 450 gms.
Later, the quantity was gradually reduced.

o Listen to mantras or meditate.

o Food allowed only once daily.

o Sleep by 9.30 p.m.

Perseo couldn't complete the 45 days in isolation. He had crawling

sensations in the body. By the 28th day, he started having strange
angelic visions. At this point it was decided to withdraw rasayana and
bring him back to normal life. Diet was changed to normal vegetarian
food. The visions ceased after stopping rasayana. Perseo was later
shifted out of the kuti.

Modern medical and laboratory investigations were done before and

after the kuti process to assess the patient's condition. The results
were amazing.
o Perseo's grey hair turned black

o Complexion became fair and skin was smooth

o Hearing loss, mouth and skin ulcers, joint pain and indigestion were
completely cured.

o Concentration, memory and attention improved

o Laboratory tests showed overall improvement in health

"I feel like I'm living in the 1980s," announced Perseo after the
treatment. "I feel 80 per cent more energetic," he also remarked.
He seemed to have attained a higher level of consciousness. When he
came out of the kuti, his eyes were sparkling and his persona was
completely glowing. Vaidya Shrikant Bagewadikar, the famous ayurvedic
expert, flew out from Mumbai to check Perseo and verified the age-
reversal.

Dr. Franklin's Panchakarma Institute and Research Centre, near

Thiruvana-ntha-puram, Kerala, offers a modernised version of kayakalpa
without isolation. The package includes rasayana, panchakarma, sweda,
massage, karnapoorana, yoga and meditation.

Ayurveda Yoga Retreat, Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, has an anti-aging

kayakalpa package. This proprietary program is a combination of
ancient ayurveda, yoga and meditation therapies for age-reversal.

Breaking the Gender Barrier

The ancient texts on kayakalpa offer guidelines from a male viewpoint

as the procedure was done by male rishis on their colleagues.
Dr. Bryan Miller and his wife Dr. Light Miller, Directors of
the Ayurvedic Day Spa and the Center for Well Being, Florida,
(www.ayurvedichealers.com), conducted the kutipravesika kayakalpa
therapy for the first time in the West in 2003. Dr. Light Miller who
volunteered, became the first woman to undergo the ancient method.
Bryan Miller and the ayurvedic expert George Soucy performed the
treatments.

Light Miller remained isolated in the kuti for 30 days. In the first
two weeks, she subsisted mainly on fresh green juices and special
rejuvenative herb teas. In the last five days, she took one meal a
day of steamed vegetables. Every other day, Light received a four-
hour kayakalpa treatment. On off days, she had ayurvedic massage with
special essential oils. The remainder of her time was spent in yoga,
meditation, mantra chanting and deep rest. She remained secluded from
sound, air movement and light with the occasional use of a ghee lamp.

Light reported many paranormal experiences including seeing the entire

kuti hut illuminated with mysterious light, visions of Dhanvantari
(the patron god of ayurveda) and Jesus Christ, personal dark night of
the soul experiences and deep feelings of connectedness.

------------------------------------

Kayakalpa International

Dr. Raam Pandey, President of Kayakalpa International and Kayakalpa

Alchemy Foundation, trained in pre-Vedic sciences and tantra received
his medical degrees in siddha, ayurveda and homeopathy. In 1979,
he synthesized ancient kayakalpa techniques in complete form,
establishing retreats in California. The web site www.kayakalpa. com
details Dr. Pandey's kayakalpa therapy, which is a unique synthesis of
methods.

Medicines are made from a variety of herbs and minerals. Their

composition ranges from a single ingredient to 96 ingredients. Unlike
other common medicines found in the ayurvedic, siddha, and Chinese
medical systems, these preparations undergo intensive purificatory
processes that break them up into very tiny molecules and render them
indestructible. They are assimilated quickly by body cells and the
cells themselves become imperishable by the elements, preventing decay
and prolonging the lifespan.

According to Dr. Pandey's system, the twin tools of kayakalpa therapy

are nourishment and purification. Nourishment is of three types. Macro
nutrition is nourishment as food. Molecular nutrition involves herbo-
mineral compounds that induce homeostasis. Subtle nutrition includes
sound, colour, aroma, gems, metal and breath, which nourish the mind
and senses, invigorating the energy flow.

Purification is conducted on the organ of consciousness (brain-mind),

the organs of knowledge (the senses) and the organs of action or karma
(physical organs). Purification is done through panchakarma procedures
that restore the organs to their optimal state. While panchakarma
deals with just purification, kayakalpa therapy as a whole is designed
for purification, nourishment and rejuvenation.

In the special technique, sirodhara, the constant stream of liquid

(made of herbo-mineral extracts and oil) on the forehead creates a
vibration, which moves the person from a physical to a subtle state,
and by focusing on the breath, induces a state of deep meditation.
Sirodhara is often combined with avagaha, a unique herbo-mineral
hydrotherapy, which creates a weightless embryonic state and uses
specific breathing techniques designed to stimulate the nervous and
endocrine systems. This results in an intensification of consciousness
that kindles the kundalini energy.

Why Kayakalpa?

The long drawn-out processes of kayakalpa, like the solitary

confinement for months, make most people shy away from seeking this
beneficial treatment. Dr. Sreeraj of Rajah Health Acres feels it is
worth the effort, though after Perseo Agualimpia, nobody has been
willing to undergo kutipravesika therapy and they are now using
rasayana to cure only specific diseases like diabetes. Dr. Sreeraj
asserts, "The only question is, 'Should I spend so much time for a
cure?' The answer depends upon the severity of the disease and need
of the patient. It is better to spend three months to prevent a heart
problem than to spend three months to recover from surgery!"

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http://www.kaya-kalpa.org/education.php

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Top Seven Ayurvedic Behavioral Rasayanas

Behavioral (Achara) Rasayanas are behaviors that enhance health,

happiness and longevity. Achara Rasayanas do more than just tell us
how to behave. They provide practical methods�such as eating saatvic
foods and practicing meditation�to effortlessly improve our ability
to choose positive behaviors and avoid making mistakes that cause ill-
health and unhappiness.

1. Speak the sweet truth. There is a saying from the Vedic literature
that goes, satyam bruyat, priyam bruyat, which means, "Speak the
sweet truth. Speaking truth creates ojas in the body, the biochemical
correlate of bliss and health. Speaking lies, on the other hand,
creates ama, or impurities.

But at the same time, you should find a pleasant way to convey a
truthful message. For example, suppose your child has not washed his
face properly. It would be true to say, "Your face is dirty," but that
could offend your child. Instead you could say, "Your face looks good,
but if you were to wash it with lots of water and cleanser, it would
look even better. If you say something encouraging first, a suggestion
for improvement that comes later will be less likely to be taken in
the wrong spirit. It's important to find a way to tell the truth
without hurting anyone.

2. Stay free of anger. Anger is within everyone in seed form. Like a

fire with a small flame, if you put oil on it, it can flare up. By
practicing unconditional forgiveness, you can prevent the seed of
anger from becoming an uncontrollable wildfire.

In practicing forgiveness, it's important to also forgive yourself,

or that anger will reflect to others. Sometimes people enjoy being
angry and they think it's their birthright to be angry all the
time. But they should be aware that anger not only creates ama
and amavisha�flooding the body with harmful hormones�but it also
burns ojas. If you forgive yourself and other people, anger can be
prevented.

In the Mahabharata, the great Vedic epic that contains the Bhagavad
Gita, there is a story of five noble brothers who are in exile. At
one point they try to draw water from a stream, only to find that a
divine spirit wants them to answer a number of questions first. One
of those questions is "What is more powerful than fire itself?" None
of the brothers can answer the questions except Dharma, the eldest,
who immediately answers, "Anger is more powerful than fire. Anger can
destroy the world. That's why it's important to prevent the seed of
anger from flaring up.
3. Be respectful to teachers and elders. Teachers and elders can
teach us invaluable lessons by sharing their wisdom and experience.
It's easy to read a book to gain knowledge, but it's often very
difficult to apply that knowledge in daily life. An elder or teacher
can tell you how they tried to practice unconditional forgiveness, for
instance, and what were the results. Only wise elders can share such
valuable life experiences. They are the best guides. And it is when
one respects teachers and elders that they will offer their advice
freely.

4. Gain Vedic knowledge. The Vedas contain pure knowledge, the

knowledge of how to enliven pure consciousness and live an enlightened
daily life. They reveal the reality of life, and give us the
guideposts along the path to enlightenment.

Listening to Vedic chanting, such as the Sama Veda audiotapes,

helps enhance coordination between heart and mind, senses and mind,
and aligns our awareness with the laws of nature, so we can live a
mistake-free life.

Reading about practical ways to apply Vedic knowledge in Maharishi

Ayurveda newsletters and books such as A Woman's Best Medicine for
Menopause by Nancy Lonsdorf, M.D., and Answer to Cancer by Hari Sharma
helps us to make positive choices for our health and happiness.

5. Practice meditation and stay balanced in sleep and wakefulness.

By practicing the Transcendental Meditation� technique twice a
day, you open your mind to pure consciousness, releasing stress and
strengthening the intellect to allow you to make healthy choices in
life. You'll find yourself naturally growing in positive behaviors
without strain or effort.

Along with the practice of meditation, it's important to follow the

ayurvedic routine of rising before six a.m., and sleeping before
ten at night. This allows your body and mind to become attuned with
nature's rhythms, creating maximum clarity and alertness during
the day and deep rest at night. It is when people are tired and
stressed that many behavioral problems begin. All of the facets of the
ayurvedic routine (massage, exercise, yoga, eating the main meal at
noon and eating lightly at night) help to promote positive behavior.
6. Eat saatvic foods such as milk, ghee, yogurt, lassi, dates, mango,
walnuts and almonds. All of these foods are saatvic, meaning they
are pure and convert easily to ojas. They are medhya, supporting the
physical brain, and enhancing the coordination of mental functions,
such as dhi, dhriti and smriti (learning, retention and recall).
When the mind remains strong, it is able to effortlessly command the
senses, like a skilled charioteer who can guide wild horses without
force. The mind that rules the senses, rather than the other way
around, makes positive choices and engages in positive behaviors.

Tamasic foods are the opposite of saatvic�they break down the

coordination between mind and body and inhibit the experience of pure
consciousness. They create darkness rather than light. Tamasic foods
include alcohol, garlic, onions, red meat, leftovers, and packaged
foods, which have little life force. Anyone who wishes to practice
Achara Rasayana should avoid them.

7. Keep the company of the wise. Even if you are committed to eating
saatvic foods, meditating daily and practicing Achara Rasayana, it
can become difficult if, due to social pressures, you find yourself
drinking alcoholic beverages or eating tamasic foods. This is why it's
important to stay in the company of the wise, to choose like-minded,
saavic friends who will support your desire to follow Achara Rasayana.