Ayurveda Initiative For Global Health

Chapter 1 - Finding Real Communication  Day 2 Forgiveness can never be complete, you know. We struggle, trying to forgive someone else. Do you know why? When you say, "I forgive," you think that the person, you are saying it to, is a culprit, and when you think someone is a culprit, and then try to forgive him (or her) However you do it, a little bit of it still remains. It's not complete. But, when you see the grand picture - the big picture - you will see that the culprit is also a victim - a victim of his (or her) own mind, ignorance, unawareness, or unconsciousness. Isn't it? Don't you think so? So compassion arises from within you, when you cannot forgive someone else. There is a story about Buddha. A gentleman found out that all his sons, daughters, daughters-in-law - everybody in his family - were going to Buddha's meditation sessions.  He found out that they were all sitting and meditating, and this was something he didn't like - someth...

Vettrilai or Betel Leaf All Indian functions and celebrations are incomplete without a thambulam and thambulam is incomplete without betel or paan leaves. If you have the chance to visit Hanuman (or Anjaneyar) temple, you will see the paan ka garland or garland made of folded betel leaves. Have you tasted a betel (paan) leaf? Slightly acidic and spicy in taste, a betel leaf helps in reducing digestion problems, cold, and body pains.  Botanical name is Piper betle. It is called as Vettila in Malayalam, Vettrilai in Tamil, Tamalapaku in Telugu, Veelaya in Kannada. Easy to grow, betel plant is a quick growing light-green climber with heart-shaped leaves. Betel leaves can be washed and eaten directly. They are rich in Calcium, Potassium, Iodine, and Fibre. They also contain Thiamine, Niacin, Riboflavin, Carotene, Vitamins A and C. The following links contain more information about the benefits of using Betel:   Drink to reduce throat infections Boil 3-4 bet...

ALOE VERA Living First-Aid Plant, Medicine Plant, Wand of Heaven, Burn Plant, Divine Healer Aloe vera barbadensis F. Asphodelaceae Description Erect perennial, originating from North Africa and the Mediterranean, with thick, very succulent, dagger shaped 30- 80cm long leaves, encircling a thick, central stem. The oldest and largest leaves are at the base, with leaves in the centre of the rosette formation being younger and smaller. Mature leaves can be 2-2.5cm thick and 6-10cm wide at the base, gradually tapering to a point at the apex. The upper leaf surface is flat or slightly dish-shaped and the lower surface rounded, with both surfaces being smooth to the touch. However, the margins of the leaf are armed with firm, spreading, triangular-shaped teeth 2-4mm long. Leaves on mature plants are a distinctive grey-green, due to the surface being covered by a greyish bloom, although during summer they can be greener and during winter they can take on a bronze tinge. I personall...

Why No Garlic or Onions for vege in hindu..... Why No Garlic or Onions? One of the most common questions asked to me is this: "Why don't you eat garlic and onions?" Here's my short answer: As a devotee of Krishna and a practicing Bhakti-yogi, I don't eat garlic and onions because they cannot be offered to Krishna. Here's my longer answer: You may know that onions and garlic are botanical members of the alliaceous family (alliums) - along with leeks, chives and shallots. According to Ayurveda, India's classic medical science, foods are grouped into three categories - sattvic, rajasic and tamasic - foods in the modes of goodness, passion and ignorance. Onions and garlic, and the other alliaceous plants are classified as rajasic and tamasic, which means that they increase passion and ignorance. Those that subscribe to pure brahmana-style cooking of India, including myself, and Vaishnavas - followers of Lord Vishnu, Rama and Krishna - like to only cook with fo...

Mantra to Chant While Plucking Tulsi Leaves – When and How to Pluck Leaves From Tulsi Plant  Tulsi plant is the most sacred plant in Hinduism and it is associated with Krishna. Below is the mantra and rules on plucking leaves. Mantra to Chant While Plucking Tulsi Leaves is as follows: Matasattulsi Govind Hridayanandkarini Narayanasaya Pujarth Chinomi Tavam Namostute When and How to Pluck Leaves From Tulsi Plant As per Vayu Purana, Tulsi plant should be touched only after taking bath. Tulsi leaves should be plucked after offering prayers to Krishna and Mata Tulsi. Permission should be taken from Goddess Tulsi before plucking leaves. Do not pluck Tulsi leaves with an impure mind. Talking and picking or plucking tulsi leaves is considered inauspicious. Keep the mind focussed on the plant or Bhagavan while plucking the leaves. Picking Tulsi while having negative thoughts, anger, hatred, ill feeling will cause harm the person plucking the leaves. The leaves that have fallen ...

The Story of Dhanvantri The great leader of the demigods, Indra was riding on his elephant, when he came across Durvasa, who was a great saint and powerful rishi. Seeing the King of the gods, Durvasa offered him a special garland (mala). Indra accepted this garland and put it on the trunk of the elephant. The elephant threw the garland onto the ground which enraged Durvasa Muni. The sage explained that the garland was the dwelling of Sri (Lakshmi) and was therefore to be treated as prasada (holy offering). In a fit of anger Durvasa cursed Indra and all the gods to be bereft of all strength, energy, and fortune. Because of the curse, the gods were defeated by the demons and their leader Bali gained control of the universe. In desperation, the gods sought out the help of Lord Vishnu. With the gods, Vishnu developed a plan to help the god regain their strength. The gods then entered into an alliance with the demons to jointly churn the ocean for the amrita (nectar of immortali...

.Spiritual uses of turmeric in Hinduism......Throughout India there is a very sacred ritual called Arati wherever the Hindu tradition is practiced. A puja tray is waved in front of one’s chosen deity or ishta devata with great love and reverence. On the puja tray can be found a lit candle, some beautiful flowers and the three sacred and symbolic substances. In addition to rice and vermillion, Turmeric is one of the three most sacred offerings that can be made in the process of worshipping the Divine. This is because Turmeric is known and highly respected as being the actual physical essence of the Divine Mother. It is true that every plant under the sun has it’s own presiding spirit or deity. In the healing system of Plant Spirit Medicine any of these spirits can be ritually propitiated or invoked in order mitigate a specific physical disease, mental health condition or emotional imbalance which might be associated with a specific plant. By so honoring that plan...

What is the meaning of Bhasma? The dictionary meaning of Bhasma is the ash of any burnt object but in Hindu tradition the word has a different dimension altogether. This normal looking residue has the sense of holiness and it essentially means the holy ash for worship. It is the ash from homa, i.e. asacrificial fire, where special wood along with ghee and other herbs is offered to the Lord. Hence in all the Sanskrit citations word Bhasma is often regarded as the holy ash from the sacrificial fire. Types of Bhasma Traditionally there are three types of Bhasma namely Shantikara, Pushtikara and Kamada. ShantikaraBhasma is the one which givespeace and coolness while Pushtikaragives nourishment. Kamada type of Bhasma fulfills the wishes of the person who applies it. Which Bhasma is considered auspicious? Bhasma from the sacrificial place of Agnihotri Brahman is considered very auspicious. Chita Bhasma is the ash of dead body and is very dear to Shiva. Consumption of ...