Ayurveda Initiative For Global Health

Sutra Neti: A Yogic Nasal Cleansing Technique Sutra Neti is an ancient yogic practice, part of the Hatha Yoga system, used for nasal cleansing and purification. It involves passing a thin, flexible thread or cord through one nostril and pulling it out through the mouth. This technique is known for its ability to clear the nasal passages, remove impurities, and improve overall respiratory health. How to Perform Sutra Neti: 1. Preparation: Ensure you are in a clean and quiet environment. Wash your hands thoroughly. 2. The Thread: Use a soft, sterilized, and waxed thread, typically made from silk or rubber. It should be about 1.5 feet in length. 3. Lubrication: Apply a small amount of ghee or coconut oil to the thread to make it smooth. 4. Nasal Entry: Gently insert one end of the thread into your nostril, tilting your head slightly forward and to the opposite side to aid the process. 5. Threading: Slowly and carefully pass the thread through your nasal passage until you can feel it at th...

Uttarabodhi Mudra a sacred hand gesture deeply rooted in ancient yogic traditions, serves as a powerful tool to connect with one's inner self and achieve a state of tranquility. This unique mudra is known for its numerous physical, mental, and spiritual benefits, making it a valuable addition to any meditation or yoga practice. How to Perform Uttarabodhi Mudra: 1. **Begin in a comfortable seated position, preferably in a quiet and peaceful environment. 2. **Place your hands in front of your chest, with your palms facing upward and fingers extended. 3. **Gently touch the tips of your thumbs together to form a circle. 4. **Slowly raise your hands above your head, keeping your elbows slightly bent. 5. **As you extend your arms overhead, visualize a flow of positive energy rising from your heart center, moving through your arms, and radiating outwards. 6. **Maintain a straight and relaxed posture, with your spine aligned. 7. **Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and focus on t...

Mysteries of Yoga 1. Yoga Predates Recorded History: Yoga's origins are shrouded in antiquity. It existed long before written records, with its roots tracing back over 5,000 years! An ancient practice that continues to evolve. 2. Yoga Isn't Just Asanas: While physical postures (asanas) are popular, yoga encompasses a holistic lifestyle. It includes meditation, breathing exercises (pranayama), ethical guidelines (yamas and niyamas), and more. 3. Yoga's Influence on Modern Science: Modern science is exploring the benefits of yoga. Research shows that it can improve mental health, reduce stress, and even enhance brain function. It's more than just a workout; it's a mind-body connection. 4. Yoga is for All Ages: Yoga isn't limited to the young and flexible. It's adaptable for all ages and fitness levels. There are gentle forms for seniors and even yoga for kids to help them develop focus and balance. 5. Yoga's Unity Principle: At its core, yoga means "u...

Introduction: Bhramari Pranayama, often referred to as the "Bee Breath," is a soothing and powerful yogic breathing technique that can help you find inner calm and reduce stress. This ancient practice involves controlled breathing with a humming sound, akin to the gentle buzz of a bee. In this post, we'll delve into how to perform Bhramari Pranayama, its myriad benefits, precautions, and additional insights. How to Perform Bhramari Pranayama: 1. Sit Comfortably: Find a quiet place and sit in a comfortable position, either cross-legged on the floor or in a chair with your spine erect. 2. Deep Breath In: Take a deep, slow inhalation through your nose, filling your lungs completely. 3. Humming Exhalation: As you exhale, press your fingers against your ears' cartilage to close them partially. Now, while exhaling, produce a gentle, steady humming sound like a bee. Focus on the vibration in your head. 4. Repeat: Continue this process for 5-10 breaths or as long as comfortab...

Baddha Konasana: Butterfly Pose Baddha Konasana, commonly known as Butterfly Pose, is a revered yoga asana that gracefully combines flexibility and mindfulness. This seated yoga posture derives its name from Sanskrit, where "Baddha" means "bound," "Kona" means "angle," and "Asana" means "pose." It is aptly named, as it involves binding your feet in a diamond shape while sitting, creating a wonderful stretch and an array of benefits for the practitioner. How to Perform Baddha Konasana: 1. Start by sitting on your yoga mat with your legs extended straight in front of you. 2. Bend your knees and bring the soles of your feet together, allowing your knees to drop out to the sides. 3. Hold your feet with your hands, interlocking your fingers around your toes. 4. Sit up tall, lengthening your spine, and gently press your knees towards the floor. 5. Inhale deeply, and with each exhale, try to bring your knees closer to the mat while k...

Benefits of Bastrika Pranayama Bastrika Pranayama, often referred to as Bellows Breath, is a dynamic and invigorating breathing exercise deeply rooted in the ancient practice of Yoga. This powerful pranayama technique derives its name from the Sanskrit word "Bastrika," which means "bellows." Just like a blacksmith uses a bellows to stoke a fire, this breathing exercise aims to ignite the internal fire within the practitioner, promoting vitality and cleansing the body and mind. How to Perform Bastrika Pranayama: 1. Find a comfortable seated position, with your spine erect and shoulders relaxed. 2. Begin by taking a few deep, cleansing breaths to prepare. 3. Inhale deeply through your nose, filling your lungs completely. 4. Exhale forcefully and quickly through your nose, pulling your navel toward your spine. 5. Continue this rapid inhalation and exhalation rhythm, maintaining a consistent pace. 6. Perform for a designated number of rounds or a specific duration, grad...

  Shambhavi Mudra Introduction: Shambhavi Mudra, a powerful yogic technique, is a gateway to inner peace and heightened awareness. This ancient practice connects us with our inner selves, offering a path to spiritual harmony amidst the chaos of modern life. In this post, we'll delve into the essence of Shambhavi Mudra, how to perform it, whom it may not be suitable for, and the incredible benefits of making it a daily practice. How to Perform Shambhavi Mudra: 1. Find a quiet, peaceful place to sit comfortably, preferably in a meditative posture. 2. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to center yourself. 3. Slowly open your eyes while maintaining a soft gaze at a point on the horizon or the tip of your nose. 4. As you continue to gaze, bring your attention inward, focusing on your inner self. 5. Maintain this gentle gaze without straining, allowing your mind to become still and absorbed in the moment. 6. Practice for a few minutes initially and gradually extend the duration ...

Troubles arise because we consider ourselves limited. The idea is wrong. In sleep there was no world, no ego, and no trouble. Something wakes up from that happy state and says “I”. To that ego the world appears. It is the rise of the ego that is the cause of the trouble. Let him trace the ego to its source and he will reach that undifferentiated Source, a state that is sleepless sleep. The Self is ever there; wisdom only appears to dawn, though it is but natural. Ramana Maharshi.

Ajamila was a Brahmin with a good qualities. He was pure, respectful to others, Gentle, self-controlled, austere(simple in character)… One fine day Ajamila father arranged for his marriage to a wonderful polite kind hearted woman. He lived his simple & peaceful life with his wife & young family. As usual, upon his father's request he went out in the field to bring some fruits & flowers for worshipping the Lord. He then encountered a beautiful female prostitute indulged in sexual pleasure with a beautiful guy. Although Ajamila was a strict Brahmin he became helplessly entangled(attracted) by seeing a man and woman engaged in sexual activity. Abruptly, a prostitute woman sexually glanced over Ajamila with a wild eyes(with madly excited look), Ajamila couldn't take eyes off her(he was aroused by this lovely female prostitute). Ajamila would constantly think & fantasize about her. In order to be near her, Ajamila eventually decided to employ her as a maidservant in ...

Botanical name :    Combretum albidium  Family : Combretaceae  Siddha synonyms : Odakodi , Venaankodi , ulavaimaram  Med uses : Leaves used to treat APD and stem juice given for Diarrhea (folklore usage is documented)

Botanical name : Scoparia dulcis Family : Plantaginaceae Siddha synonyms : Kaatukothamalli , Sarkaraivembu  Medicinal action : Diuretic , antidiabetic  Used part : whole plant Medical uses : The plant juice acts as a potent diuretic and used to treat Renal calculi  The leaves are used to reduce Blood sugar level in patients with Hyperglycaemia

Botanical name : Clitoria ternatea var alba  Family : Fabaceae  Siddha synonyms : Vellai sangupoo , Vensangupushpam , Venkaakattan  Medication action : Purgative  Used part : Seeds and Root  Medicinal uses :  Main use is it is used to treat Filariasis and reduce swelling over the lymph nodes  And Acts as a strong purgative and so Used in constipation patients in Mild doses . Heavy dose not recommended  Precaution : Avoid in Pregnancy and lactation

न धावति जनाकीर्णं नारण्यं उपशान्तधीः। यथातथा यत्रतत्र सम एवावतिष्ठते॥१८- १००॥ शांत बुद्धि वाला धीर न तो जनसमूह की ओर दौड़ता है और न वन की ओर। वह जहाँ जिस स्थिति में होता है, वहां ही समचित्त से आसीन रहता है॥१००॥ A man at peace does not run off to popular resorts or to the forest. Wherever, he remains in whatever condition he exists with a tranquil mind.॥100॥ Ashtavakra Gita

न प्रीयते वन्द्यमानो निन्द्यमानो न कुप्यति। नैवोद्विजति मरणे जीवने नाभिनन्दति॥१८- ९९॥ वंदना करने से वह प्रसन्न नहीं होता, निंदा करने से क्रोधित नहीं होता। मृत्यु से उद्वेग नहीं करता और जीवन का अभिनन्दन नहीं करता॥९९॥ He is neither pleased when praised nor gets upset when blamed. He is neither afraid of death nor attached to life.॥99॥ Ashtavakra Gita

विक्षेपेऽपि न विक्षिप्तः समाधौ न समाधिमान्। जाड्येऽपि न जडो धन्यः पाण्डित्येऽपि न पण्डितः॥१८- ९७॥ धीर पुरुष विक्षेप में विक्षिप्त नहीं होता, समाधि में समाधिस्थ नहीं होता। उसकी लौकिक जड़ता में वह जड़ नहीं है और पांडित्य में पंडित नहीं है॥९७॥ A man with tranquil mind does not get distracted by disturbances, in meditation  he does not meditate. A blessed man neither gains stupidity by his worldly acts, nor does he gets wisdom.॥97॥ Ashtavakra Gita

मुक्तो यथास्थितिस्वस्थः कृतकर्तव्यनिर्वृतः। समः सर्वत्र वैतृष्ण्यान्न स्मरत्यकृतं कृतम्॥१८- ९८॥ धीर पुरुष सभी स्थितियों में अपने स्वरुप में स्थित रहता है। कर्तव्य रहित होने से शांत होता है। सदा समान रहता है। तृष्णा रहित होने के कारण वह क्या किया और क्या नहीं - इन बातों का स्मरण नहीं करता॥९८॥ A man with tranquil mind remains established in his self. Being without any duty, he is at peace. He is always the same.As he is without greed, he does not recall what he has done or not done.॥98॥ Ashtavakra Gita

सुप्तोऽपि न सुषुप्तौ च स्वप्नेऽपि शयितो न च। जागरेऽपि न जागर्ति धीरस्तृप्तः पदे पदे॥१८- ९४॥ धीर पुरुष पद-पद पर तृप्त रहता है। वह सोकर भी नहीं सोता, वह स्वप्न देखकर भी नहीं देखता और जाग्रत रहने पर भी नहीं जगता॥९४॥ The wise man who is contented in all circumstances is not asleep even in deep sleep, not sleeping in a dream, nor waking when he is awake.॥94॥ Ashtavakra Gita

ज्ञः सचिन्तोऽपि निश्चिन्तः सेन्द्रियोऽपि निरिन्द्रियः। सुबुद्धिरपि निर्बुद्धिः साहंकारोऽनहङ्कृतिः॥१८- ९५॥ धीर पुरुष चिन्तावान होने पर भी चिंतारहित होता है, इन्द्रिय युक्त होने पर भी इन्द्रिय रहित होता है, बुद्धि युक्त होने पर भी बुद्धि रहित होता है और अहंकार सहित होने पर भी अहंकार रहित होता है॥९५॥ The seer is without thoughts even when thinking, without senses among the senses, without understanding even in understanding and without a sense of responsibility even in the ego.॥95॥ Ashtavakra Gita

न सुखी न च वा दुःखी न विरक्तो न संगवान्। न मुमुक्षुर्न वा मुक्ता न किंचिन्न्न च किंचन॥१८- ९६॥ धीर पुरुष न सुखी होता है और न दुखी, न विरक्त होता है और न अनुरक्त। वह न मुमुक्षु है और न मुक्त। वह कुछ नहीं है, कुछ नहीं है॥९६॥ A man with tranquil mind is neither happy nor unhappy, neither detached nor attached. He is neither seeking liberation nor liberated. He is nothing of these, nothing of these.॥96॥ Ashtavakra Gita

भिक्षुर्वा भूपतिर्वापि यो निष्कामः स शोभते। भावेषु गलिता यस्य शोभनाशोभना मतिः॥१८- ९१॥ राजा हो या रंक, जो कामना रहित है वह ही सुशोभित होता है। जिसकी दृश्य वस्तुओं में शुभ और अशुभ बुद्धि समाप्त हो गयी है वह निष्काम है॥९१॥ Beggar or king, he excels who is without desire, and whose opinion of things is rid of 'good' and 'bad'.॥91॥ Ashtavakra Gita

क्व स्वाच्छन्द्यं क्व संकोचः क्व वा तत्त्वविनिश्चयः। निर्व्याजार्जवभूतस्य चरितार्थस्य योगिनः॥१८- ९२॥ योगी निष्कपट, सरल और चरित्रवान होता है। उसके लिए स्वच्छंदता क्या, संकोच क्या और तत्त्व विचार भी क्या॥९२॥ There is neither dissolute behaviour nor virtue, nor even discrimination of the truth for the sage who has reached the goal and is the very embodiment of guileless sincerity.॥92॥ Ashtavakra Gita

आत्मविश्रान्तितृप्तेन निराशेन गतार्तिना। अन्तर्यदनुभूयेत तत् कथं कस्य कथ्यते॥१८- ९३॥ जो अपने स्वरुप में विश्राम करके तृप्त है, आशा रहित है, दुःख रहित है, वह अपने अन्तः करण में जिस आनंद का अनुभव करता है वह कैसे किसी को बताया जा सकता है॥९३॥ How can one describe what is experienced within by one desireless and free from pain, and content to rest in himself - and of whom?॥93॥ Ashtavakra Gita

भगवद्गीता– अध्याय २, श्लोक २३ नैनं छिन्दन्ति शस्त्राणि नैनं दहति पावक: | न चैनं क्लेदयन्त्यापो न शोषयति मारुत: || अनुवाद: आत्मा को न शस्त्र काट सकते हैं, न अग्नि इसे जला सकती है; जल इसे गीला नहीं कर सकता और न ही वायु इसे सुखा सकती है। Weapons cannot cut the self (atman), nor can fire burn it; water cannot wet it, nor can the wind dry it. Bhagavad Gita

भगवद्गीता– अध्याय ४, श्लोक ७–८ यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत | अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम् || परित्राणाय साधूनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम् | धर्मसंस्थापनार्थाय सम्भवामि युगे युगे || अनुवाद: हे अर्जुन! जब-जब धर्म की हानि और अधर्म की वृद्धि होती है, तब-तब मैं धरती पर प्रकट होता हूँ। साधुओं का रक्षा करने, दुष्टों का विनाश करने और धर्म की मर्यादा पुनः स्थापित करने के लिए, मैं युग-युग में प्रकट होता हूँ। Whenever there is a decline in dharma and an increase in adharma, O Arjuna, at that time I manifest myself on earth. To protect the virtuous, to annihilate the wicked, and to reestablish dharma, I appear age after age. Bhagavad Gita

भगवद्गीता– अध्याय १३, श्लोक २२ उपद्रष्टानुमन्ता च भर्ता भोक्ता महेश्वर: | परमात्मेति चाप्युक्तो देहेऽस्मिन्पुरुष: पर: || अनुवाद: इस शरीर में स्थित परम पुरुष को साक्षी, अनुमन्ता, पालनकर्ता, भोक्ता, महेश्वर और परमात्मा के रूप में भी जाना जाता है। The Supreme Being in this body is also known as the Witness, the Permitter, the Sustainer, the Enjoyer, the Great Lord, and the Supreme Self (Paramatman). Bhagavad Gita

भगवद्गीता– अध्याय ६, श्लोक ८ ज्ञानविज्ञानतृप्तात्मा कूटस्थो विजितेन्द्रिय: | युक्त इत्युच्यते योगी समलोष्टाश्मकाञ्चन: || अनुवाद: वे योगी, जिनका अन्तःकरण ज्ञान-विज्ञानसे तृप्त है, जो किसी भी परिस्थिति में निर्विकार रहते हैं, जो अपने इंद्रियों पर विजय प्राप्ति कर चुके हैं और जो मिट्टी के ढेले, पत्थर और सोने के टुकड़े को एक समान देखते हैं, उन्हे युक्त (योगारूढ़) कहा जाता है।  The yogi, whose mind is content with knowledge and wisdom of the self, who remains unmoved under any circumstances, who has conquered their senses, and who looks upon a lump of earth, a stone, and a piece of gold equally, is said to have achieved union. Bhagavad Gita,

भगवद्गीता– अध्याय ५, श्लोक १८ विद्याविनयसम्पन्ने ब्राह्मणे गवि हस्तिनि | शुनि चैव श्वपाके च पण्डिता: समदर्शिन: || अनुवाद: ज्ञानीजन विद्या-विनय युक्त ब्राह्मण, गाय, हाथी, श्वान और श्वानभक्ष्यक चाण्डाल को भी समभाव से देखते हैं। The wise look with equanimity upon a brahmin endowed with learning and humility, a cow, an elephant, a dog, as well as a dog-eating outcaste. Bhagavad Gita

भगवद्गीता– अध्याय २, श्लोक २० न जायते म्रियते वा कदाचि नायं भूत्वा भविता वा न भूय: | अजो नित्य: शाश्वतोऽयं पुराणो न हन्यते हन्यमाने शरीरे || अनुवाद: आत्मा का न तो कभी जन्म होता है न ही मृत्यु होती है और न ही एक बार अस्तित्व में आने के बाद उसका अस्तित्व समाप्त होता है। आत्मा अजन्मा, शाश्वत, अजर और अमर है। शरीर के नष्ट हो जाने पर भी यह नष्ट नहीं होता। The self (atman) is neither born nor does it ever die, nor, having once existed, does it ever cease to be. The self is without birth, eternal, ageless, and immortal. It is not destroyed, even if the body is destroyed. Bhagavad Gita

भगवद्गीता– अध्याय १२, श्लोक १७ यो न हृष्यति न द्वेष्टि न शोचति न काङ् क्षति | शुभाशुभपरित्यागी भक्तिमान्य: स मे प्रिय: || अनुवाद: जो न हर्षित होते हैं और न द्वेष करते हैं, न शोक करते हैं और न आकांक्षा, तथा जो शुभ और अशुभ को त्याग देते हैं, वैसे भक्तिमान् व्यक्ति मुझे प्रिय हैं।  Those who neither rejoice nor harbor hatred, neither lament nor desire, and renounce both good and evil actions—such devoted individuals are dear to me. Bhagavad Gita

भगवद्गीता– अध्याय २, श्लोक ३ क्लैब्यं मा स्म गम: पार्थ नैतत्त्वय्युपपद्यते | क्षुद्रं हृदयदौर्बल्यं त्यक्त्वोत्तिष्ठ परन्तप || अनुवाद: हे पार्थ! नपुंसकता को मत प्राप्त हो, क्योंकि यह तुम्हें शोभा नहीं देता। हे शत्रु विनाशक! हृदय की तुच्छ दुर्बलता का त्याग कर उठ खड़े हो। O Partha! Do not yield to unmanliness, as it doesn't befit you. Give up this petty weakness of heart and arise, O scorcher of foes! Bhagavad Gita

भगवद्गीता– अध्याय १०, श्लोक २० अहमात्मा गुडाकेश सर्वभूताशयस्थित: | अहमादिश्च मध्यं च भूतानामन्त एव च || अनुवाद: हे गुडाकेश (निद्राविजयी)! मैं समस्त भूतों के हृदय में स्थित आत्मा हूँ। मैं समस्त भूतों का आदि, मध्य और अंत भी हूँ। O Conqueror of Sleep! I am the self (atman), seated in the hearts of all beings. I am the beginning, the middle, and the end of all beings, too. Bhagavad Gita

भगवद्गीता– अध्याय १८, श्लोक ६१ ईश्वर: सर्वभूतानां हृद्देशेऽर्जुन तिष्ठति | भ्रामयन्सर्वभूतानि यन्त्रारूढानि मायया || अनुवाद: हे अर्जुन! ईश्वर समस्त प्राणियों के हृदय में निवास करते हैं और माया से उन्हें ऐसे घुमाते हैं जैसे कि वे किसी यन्त्र पर आरूढ़ हों। O Arjuna! God resides in the hearts of all beings and, through Illusory Power (Maya), causes them to revolve as if they were mounted on a machine. Bhagavad Gita