How much Ayurveda does a Yogi need to know? Conversely, how much Yoga does an Ayurveda person need to know? Consider this…from which eye do you prefer to see?

I’m guessing your answer is “both!” I agree. Each eye has a similar function yet offers a slightly different perspective. It’s the same with Ayurveda and Yoga. Each has its sweet spot, where it seems to offer the perfect solution, but like closing one eye, you might be surprised at how well the other modality addresses a challenge while providing its own twist (and unexpected benefits). In fact, Yoga and Ayurveda are like different sides of the same coin. Yin and Yang. Light and Dark. You get the idea.

It’s easy for modern Yogis to default to asana, or in the case of Ayurveda, to get stuck on dosha. But we need to move on—let the mind open! Allow the limitations of these definitions to blur, reach beyond these experiences, and it’s easy to see that Ayurveda is the thesis on Yoga, and Yoga is the practicum on Ayurveda. They are ONE!

Yoga and Ayurveda are both rooted in Vedic wisdom, Sankhya Darshan, originally taught by the sage, Kapila. From the main text, Sankhya-Karika, compiled by Ishvara Krishna around 350 CE, the goal of Sankhya (San meaning “truth” and khya, meaning “to know/understand”) is moksha, or liberation. [The goal of this text was to understand the nature of suffering, the causation, and the means to transcend it.]

Ayurveda was revealed to the rishis—the seers—while they were in deep, meditative (yogic) states. Like a portal into consciousness, this wisdom provides instructions for attaining moksha, or liberation from the cycles of suffering/birth and death.

Yoga, a way to transcend thought and connect with higher consciousness, is illustrated by Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras, which outlines eight avenues for attaining enlightenment (moksha!), known as Ashtanga Yoga—the Eight Limbs of Yoga.

Keep in mind that when we speak of Yoga, it is not merely about Asana (poses), but also the other seven limbs: the Yama (restraints, ethics) and Niyama (observances for peace) that guide us in right living, Pranayama (control of prana/breath), Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses/mastery, control of the senses from outside to within), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (dissolution).

Yogis followed a sattvic diet (a diet of pure foods), used the wisdom of herbs, and adhered to seasonal and daily routines and treatments recommended in Ayurvedic texts when yogic kriyas (yogic cleansing techniques ) could not provide a complete solution.

Through yogic practices and the development of the meditative mind, the practitioner grows spiritually, releasing attachment to the ego, and connecting to the Self. Yoga is the avenue for sadhana, or spiritual practice. On the macrocosmic level, Ayurveda, looks at the dis-ease of body and/or mind and implements practices that heal the Self. Healing the Self is about wholeness—healing of body, mind, and spirit for optimal health. Union with the Self is the ultimate Self-healing.

Consider Prana (breath; subtle energy of the body) in Yoga and Ayurveda. In Yoga, we remain conscious of the movement of the breath (prana). In Ayurveda, we look at the flow of prana, the direction, the abundance or lack. How many ways are there to build prana? How many ways to redirect the flow of prana? When you answer these questions, are you speaking of Yoga or Ayurveda? Can you discern one from the other?

If the philosophy is the same, the goal is the same.Instead of seeking Yoga or Ayurveda, we must recognize that we are seeking health, healing, freedom from suffering, and moksha.

Pragmatically speaking, we can feel the common roots in our everyday practice. In Yoga, we look to nature as we emulate it through our poses, for example, Staff, Mountain, Frog, Tree, or Scorpion. We use pranayama (breathing), mantra (a repeated word or sound), and mudra (a movement or pose of the hand or body) to help the mind take its seat so we can connect with our true Self. In Ayurveda, we find in nature the gunas (qualities), tanmatras (sound, touch, form, taste, and fragrance), the bhutas (ether/space, air, fire, water, and earth). In seeing the characteristics of disease (dis-ease), we can apply its opposite to restore balance and harmony within the body.

If the common goal is, indeed, good health and moksha, then we can consider both Yoga and Ayurveda interchangeable (indistinguishable?) tools in our toolbox that we can draw upon as we encounter challenges along our journey. Each tool provides another angle through which we might see through the kaleidoscope.Yoga provides the spiritual tools, which support the healing of Ayurveda. Ayurveda provides the healing tools, which allow the spirit to flourish through Yoga.

So, what is a modern yogi or Ayurvedic practitioner to do? Go straight to the source. Pick up a copy of the text closest to the original source of knowledge. Engage with the text, let it sit in your consciousness, contemplate it, digest it.

Yogis, the most important text for you to read is Charaka Samhita. This ancient text, from approximately 400 CE, is the oldest Sanskrit Ayurvedic text that’s still around. Learn to understand the principles of the 20 gunas [hot/cold, dry/oily light/heavy, subtle/gross, liquid/dense, hard/soft, mobile/static, clear/sticky, rough/slimy, sharp/dull], dosha [constitution: kapha, pitta, vata], agni [(digestive) fire], pancha prana [the five pranas, their qualities and sources for nourishing us] hitaahara [balanced diet],and swasthavritta [healthy routine].

If you’re into Ayurveda, the most important text you can read is Patanjali Yoga Sutras to understand the principles of maitri [friendliness toward goodness], karuna [compassion toward those experiencing pain], mudita [sympathetic joy], upeksha [equanimity], dharana [concentration], Dhyana [meditation], asana [poses], pranayama [breathing techniques], pancha kosha [five sheaths], and moksha [liberation].You may be surprised at how little The Yoga Sutras speaks of moving the body and how much is written about mastery over the mind. Immerse yourself in this guidebook to the mind with instructions for practice, advice for obstacles, and benefits associated with the limbs of yoga.

Both texts are written in the form of sutras. Sutra means “to suture with a thread.” Consider reading a sutra per day or per week. Make it a part of your practice. Contemplate the sutra. Reflect. Let the thread lead you deep into the wisdom it holds.

If it has been a while since you’ve perused one of the texts above, now may be a great time to revisit it and explore how the sutras may have evolved for you. Deepen your understanding and your practice will follow.

The goal of Yoga and Ayurveda is to seek the Self, be one with the Self. Keep your eyes on the goal and move toward the next steps. For centuries, Yogis have practiced Ayurveda and Ayurvedic practitioners have practiced yoga. As the line of separation between the two disappears, understanding, practice, and health will thrive.

Let your knowledge and personal practice expand to embrace the common goal of these sister sciences of Yoga and Ayurveda. Health is of no use if it is not put to purpose.

Want to know more about Ayurveda? Join me Essential Ayurveda for Yoga Practitioners, Starting Aug 17, 2024.

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