Ayurveda Initiative For Global Health

Muladhara Chakra  The Muladhara, or Root Chakra, forms the foundation of our spiritual and energetic being. Situated at the base of the spine, it's associated with feelings of stability, security, and survival instincts.  When this chakra is balanced, we experience a sense of being grounded and connected to the Earth. It empowers us to face challenges with resilience and a steady mind. However, an imbalanced Muladhara might manifest as anxiety, restlessness, or feelings of insecurity. To nurture and align this chakra, various practices can be beneficial.  Yoga poses like the Mountain Pose and specific breathing exercises help activate and harmonize the Muladhara. Meditation, accompanied by deep visualization of a vibrant red color, aids in its healing. Remember, caring for the Root Chakra is pivotal as it sets the stage for the balance of other chakras. Embrace practices that resonate with you and embark on a journey towards a stronger, more stable foundation. 

Chakras in Yoga  These energy centers, as ancient as time itself, form a vital cornerstone of yogic philosophy and practice. Within our bodies lie seven main Chakras, each representing a unique facet of our being, from the physical to the spiritual. Let's embark on a journey to understand their significance and unlock the secrets they hold. 1 Root Chakra (Muladhara): Found at the base of the spine, this Chakra grounds us to the Earth's energy. It signifies stability, security, and our connection to the material world. 2 Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana): Located just below the navel, it governs creativity, emotions, and sensuality. This Chakra encourages us to explore and express our desires. 3 Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura): Situated above the navel, it radiates personal power and confidence. Balancing this Chakra fuels our self-esteem and assertion. 4 Heart Chakra (Anahata): Nestled in the heart region, it embodies love, compassion, and harmony. When in equilibrium, it fosters emo...

Vishuddha Chakra -  Throat Energy Center  The Vishuddha chakra, also known as the throat chakra, holds the power of communication, self-expression, and authenticity. Situated in the throat area, it's a gateway to clear and meaningful interactions. Activating the Vishuddha chakra can empower your voice and nurture honest expression. Let's delve into transformative practices for awakening and balancing this chakra: 1 Asanas (Yoga Poses):  Incorporate shoulder-opening poses like Matsyasana (Fish Pose), Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose), and Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand). These postures stimulate the throat region, encouraging energy flow and promoting the ability to speak your truth. 2 Pranayamas (Breathing Techniques): Practice Ujjayi Pranayama (Victorious Breath) to harness your breath and create resonance in the throat area. Kapalabhati (Skull-Shining Breath) can also clear energetic blockages, supporting free expression. 3 Chanting and Mantras: Chanting the mantra "Ham" ...

Anahata Chakra - The Heart Energy Center The Anahata chakra, often referred to as the heart chakra, is a vital energy center located at the center of the chest. It governs love, compassion, and emotional balance. Activating the Anahata chakra can lead to profound spiritual growth and enhanced interpersonal connections. Here are some powerful practices to awaken and balance this chakra: 1 Asanas (Yoga Poses):  Practice heart-opening poses like Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose), Ustrasana (Camel Pose), and Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward-Facing Dog Pose). These asanas expand the chest and stimulate the energy flow in the heart area, promoting emotional release and a sense of openness. 2 Pranayamas (Breathing Techniques): Anahata chakra is closely connected to the breath. Incorporate pranayama practices such as Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing) and Ujjayi (Victorious Breath). These techniques calm the mind, balance emotions, and enhance prana (life force) circulation to the heart cent...

Manipura Chakra  The Manipura Chakra, often referred to as the Solar Plexus Chakra, is a vital energy center located in the abdominal region. Representing our inner fire, personal power, and transformation, this chakra plays a crucial role in our emotional and spiritual well-being. 1  Igniting Personal Power: Manipura is associated with qualities such as confidence, self-esteem, and determination. When balanced, it empowers us to take control of our lives, make decisions with clarity, and pursue our goals with unwavering dedication. 2 The Fire Within: Symbolized by the element of fire, Manipura governs our digestive system, metabolism, and energy distribution. Nourishing this chakra through practices like mindful eating and physical movement can enhance our vitality and overall health. 3 Balancing the Manipura Chakra: An imbalanced Manipura can manifest as low self-esteem, indecision, or even digestive issues. Techniques such as yoga asanas, pranayama (breathing exercises), me...

Svadhishthana Chakra  Svadhishthana Chakra, the sacral energy center that ignites our creativity, passion, and emotional depth.  Located just below the navel, this chakra governs our capacity for joy, pleasure, and connection to others. When balanced, it allows a free flow of creativity and emotional expression. However, an imbalance might lead to mood swings, blocked creativity, or struggles with intimacy. To nurture the Svadhishthana Chakra, explore activities that inspire your creativity – be it art, music, or dance. Engage in self-reflection to understand your emotions and triggers, fostering a healthy relationship with your feelings.  Yoga asanas like the Pigeon Pose and pelvic exercises can help release tension in this area. Meditation with a focus on the chakra's orange hue aids in its alignment. As you embark on this journey of self-discovery, remember that embracing your passions and emotions is a vital step towards Svadhishthana balance. Let the energy of this c...

Sahasrara Chakra - The Crown Chakra The Sahasrara chakra, often referred to as the crown chakra, is the pinnacle of the chakra system. Located at the top of the head, it represents our connection to the divine, pure consciousness, and universal wisdom. Activating the Sahasrara chakra is a profound spiritual journey, inviting enlightenment and unity with the cosmos. Here are powerful practices to awaken and balance this transcendent chakra: 1 Asanas (Yoga Poses):  Engage in meditative postures such as Padmasana (Lotus Pose) or Siddhasana (Perfect Pose) to create a grounded yet receptive foundation for Sahasrara activation. These poses facilitate the flow of energy towards the crown. 2 Pranayamas (Breathing Techniques): Practice Sahaja Pranayama (Spontaneous Breath), allowing the breath to become natural and unforced. This breathwork promotes a sense of oneness with the universe and an opening of the crown chakra. 3 Meditation and Silence: Meditation is paramount for the Sahasrara ch...

Activating the Ajna Chakra -  Third Eye The Ajna chakra, often referred to as the third eye chakra, is the gateway to intuition, insight, and inner wisdom. Nestled between the eyebrows, this chakra holds the power of perception beyond the physical realm. Unlocking the Ajna chakra can lead to profound spiritual growth and heightened awareness. Here are transformative practices to awaken and balance this chakra: 1 Asanas (Yoga Poses):  Incorporate poses that enhance focus and balance, such as Balasana (Child's Pose), Shavasana (Corpse Pose), and Ardha Pincha Mayurasana (Dolphin Pose). These asanas encourage a calm mind and prepare you for deeper practices. 2 Pranayamas (Breathing Techniques): Practice Nadi Shodhana (Channel Cleaning Breath) to balance the flow of energy and enhance mental clarity. Kapalabhati (Skull-Shining Breath) can clear the mind and stimulate the third eye area. 3 Meditation and Visualization: Engage in meditation techniques that center on the third eye. Vi...

क्व शास्त्रं क्वात्मविज्ञानं क्व वा निर्विषयं मनः। क्व तृप्तिः क्व वितृष्णत्वं गतद्वन्द्वस्य मे सदा॥२०- २॥ सदा सभी प्रकार के द्वंद्वों से रहित मेरे लिए क्या शास्त्र हैं और क्या आत्म-ज्ञान अथवा क्या विषय रहित मन ही है, क्या प्रसन्नता है या क्या संतोष है॥२॥ For me who is ever free from dualism, there are no scriptures or self-knowledge, no attached mind, no satisfaction or desire-lessness.॥2॥ Ashtavakra Gita

क्व मृत्युर्जीवितं वा क्व लोकाः क्वास्य क्व लौकिकं। क्व लयः क्व समाधिर्वा स्वमहिम्नि स्थितस्य मे॥१९- ७॥ अपनी महिमा में स्थित मेरे लिए क्या मृत्यु है और क्या जीवन है तथा क्या लौकिक है और क्या पारलौकिक है, क्या लय है और क्या समाधि है?॥७॥   There is no life or death, not this world or any outer world, no annihilation or meditative state for me, who is established in Self.॥7॥ Ashtavakra Gita

अलं त्रिवर्गकथया योगस्य कथयाप्यलं। अलं विज्ञानकथया विश्रान्तस्य ममात्मनि॥१९- ८॥ अपनी आत्मा में नित्य स्थित मेरे लिए जीवन के तीन उद्देश्य निरर्थक हैं, योग पर चर्चा अनावश्यक है और विज्ञानं का वर्णन अनावश्यक है॥८॥ For me who has taken eternal refuge in Self, discussion on three goals of life is useless, discussion on yoga is useless, discussion on knowledge is useless.॥8॥ Ashtavakra Gita

जनक उवाच - क्व भूतानि क्व देहो वा क्वेन्द्रियाणि क्व वा मनः। क्व शून्यं क्व च नैराश्यं मत्स्वरूपे निरंजने॥२०-१॥   राजा जनक कहते हैं - मेरे निष्कलंक स्वरुप में पाँच महाभूत कहाँ हैं या शरीर कहाँ है और इन्द्रियाँ या मन कहाँ हैं, शून्य कहाँ है और निराशा कहाँ है॥१॥ King Janak says: In stainless Self, there are no five matter-elements or body, no sense organs or mind, no emptiness or despair.॥1॥ Ashtavakra Gita

क्व भूतं क्व भविष्यद् वा वर्तमानमपि क्व वा। क्व देशः क्व च वा नित्यं स्वमहिम्नि स्थितस्य मे॥१९- ३॥ अपनी महिमा में स्थित मेरे लिए क्या अतीत है और क्या भविष्य है और क्या वर्तमान ही है, क्या देश है और क्या काल है?॥३॥ There is no past, future or present, there is no space or time for me , who is established in Self.॥3॥ Ashtavakra Gita

क्व चात्मा क्व च वानात्मा क्व शुभं क्वाशुभं तथा। क्व चिन्ता क्व च वाचिन्ता स्वमहिम्नि स्थितस्य मे॥१९- ४॥ अपनी महिमा में स्थित मेरे लिए क्या आत्मा है और क्या अनात्मा है तथा क्या शुभ और क्या अशुभ है, क्या विचारयुक्त होना है और क्या निर्विचार होना है?॥४॥ There is no self or non-self, nothing auspicious or evil, no thought or absence of them for me, who is established in Self.॥4॥ Ashtavakra Gita

क्व स्वप्नः क्व सुषुप्तिर्वा क्व च जागरणं तथा। क्व तुरियं भयं वापि स्वमहिम्नि स्थितस्य मे॥१९- ५॥ अपनी महिमा में स्थित मेरे लिए क्या स्वप्न है और क्या सुषुप्ति तथा क्या जागरण है और क्या तुरीय अवस्था है अथवा क्या भय ही है?॥५॥ There are no states as dreams or sleep or waking. There is no fourth state 'Turiya' beyond these, and no fear for me , who is established in Self.॥5॥ Ashtavakra Gita

क्व दूरं क्व समीपं वा बाह्यं क्वाभ्यन्तरं क्व वा। क्व स्थूलं क्व च वा सूक्ष्मं स्वमहिम्नि स्थितस्य मे॥१९- ६॥ अपनी महिमा में स्थित मेरे लिए क्या दूर है और क्या पास है तथा क्या बाह्य है और क्या आतंरिक है, क्या स्थूल है और क्या सूक्ष्म है?॥६॥ There is nothing distant or near, nothing within or without, nothing large or subtle for me, who is established in Self.॥6॥ Ashtavakra Gita

जनक उवाच- तत्त्वविज्ञानसन्दंश- मादाय हृदयोदरात्। नानाविधपरामर्श- शल्योद्धारः कृतो मया॥१९- १॥ राजा जनक कहते हैं - तत्त्व-विज्ञान की चिमटी द्वारा विभिन्न प्रकार के सुझावों रूपी काँटों को मेरे द्वारा हृदय के आन्तरिक भागों से निकाला गया॥१॥ King Janak says - Using the hook of self-knowledge, thorns of various opinions have extracted out from inside of heart by me.॥1॥ Ashtavakra Gita

क्व धर्मः क्व च वा कामः क्व चार्थः क्व विवेकिता। क्व द्वैतं क्व च वाऽद्वैतं स्वमहिम्नि स्थितस्य मे॥१९- २॥ अपनी महिमा में स्थित मेरे लिए क्या धर्म है और क्या काम है, क्या अर्थ है और क्या विवेक है, क्या द्वैत है कया अद्वैत है?॥२॥ There are no righteousness and duty, no objective or discretion, no duality or non-duality for me, who is established in Self.॥2॥ Ashtavakra Gita

भगवद्गीता– अध्याय १८, श्लोक ४१ ब्राह्मणक्षत्रियविशां शूद्राणां च परन्तप | कर्माणि प्रविभक्तानि स्वभावप्रभवैर्गुणै: || अनुवाद: हे शत्रु विनाशक! ब्राह्मणों, क्षत्रियों, वैश्यों, और शूद्रों के कर्मों को उनके स्वभाव से उत्पन्न गुणों के अनुसार विभक्त किया गया है।  O scorcher of foes! The duties of the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras have been classified according to the qualities arising from their natures. Bhagavad Gita

भगवद्गीता– अध्याय ८, श्लोक १७ सहस्रयुगपर्यन्तमहर्यद्ब्रह्मणो विदु: | रात्रिं युगसहस्रान्तां तेऽहोरात्रविदो जना: || अनुवाद: जो व्यक्ति यह जानते हैं कि ब्रह्मा जी का एक दिन एक हजार युगों तक चलता है और उनकी एक रात भी उतनी ही अवधि की होती है, वे दिन और रात की सत्यता जानते हैं। Those who know that a day of Brahma lasts a thousand ages (yugas) and a night of his is also of equal duration know the truth about day and night. Bhagavad Gita

भगवद्गीता– अध्याय १२, श्लोक १२ श्रेयो हि ज्ञानमभ्यासाज्ज्ञानाद्ध्यानं विशिष्यते | ध्यानात्कर्मफलत्यागस्त्यागाच्छान्तिरनन्तरम् || अनुवाद: ज्ञान अभ्यास से श्रेष्ठ है, और ज्ञान से श्रेष्ठ है ध्यान; ध्यान से श्रेष्ठ है कर्मफल का त्याग, और त्याग के पश्चात शांति प्राप्त होती है। Knowledge is superior to practice, and superior to knowledge is meditation; superior to meditation is renunciation of the fruit of action, and after renunciation, peace is attained. Bhagavad Gita

भगवद्गीता– अध्याय २, श्लोक २५ अव्यक्तोऽयमचिन्त्योऽयमविकार्योऽयमुच्यते | तस्मादेवं विदित्वैनं नानुशोचितुमर्हसि || अनुवाद: इस आत्मा को अव्यक्त, अचिन्त्य और अविकारी कहा गया है। अतः इसे ऐसा जानकर तुम्हें शोक नहीं करना चाहिये। This self (atman) is said to be unmanifest, inconceivable, and immutable. Therefore, knowing it as such, you should not grieve. Bhagavad Gita

भगवद्गीता– अध्याय १०, श्लोक १२–१३ अर्जुन उवाच | परं ब्रह्म परं धाम पवित्रं परमं भवान् | पुरुषं शाश्वतं दिव्यमादिदेवमजं विभुम् || आहुस्त्वामृषय: सर्वे देवर्षिर्नारदस्तथा | असितो देवलो व्यास: स्वयं चैव ब्रवीषि मे || अनुवाद: अर्जुन ने कहा, "आप परम ब्रह्म, परम धाम, परम पवित्र, शाश्वत दिव्य पुरुष, आदिदेव, जन्महीन और सर्वव्यापी हैं। समस्त ऋषिजन और देवर्षि नारद, तथा असित, देवल और व्यास आपका वर्णन इस प्रकार करते हैं। स्वयं आपने भी मुझे ऐसा कहा है।" Arjuna said, "You are the Supreme Brahman, the Supreme Abode, the Supreme Holiness, the Eternal Divine Being, the Primal God, Birthless, and Omnipresent. All the sages and the divine sage Narada, as well as Asita, Devala, and Vyasa, describe you thus. You Yourself have told me this too." Bhagavad Gita

भगवद्गीता– अध्याय २, श्लोक ६३ क्रोधाद्भवति सम्मोह: सम्मोहात्स्मृतिविभ्रम: | स्मृतिभ्रंशाद् बुद्धिनाशो बुद्धिनाशात्प्रणश्यति || अनुवाद: क्रोध से मोह उत्पन्न होता है और मोह से स्मृतिभ्रम; स्मृति के भ्रमित होने पर बुद्धि का नाश होता है और बुद्धि का नाश होने पर मनुष्य का पतन हो जाता है। Anger induces delusion, and delusion leads to confusion of memory; from confusion of memory comes loss of intellect, and loss of intellect leads to outright perishment. Bhagavad Gita

भगवद्गीता– अध्याय ९, श्लोक १९ तपाम्यहमहं वर्षं निगृह्णम्युत्सृजामि च | अमृतं चैव मृत्युश्च सदसच्चाहमर्जुन || अनुवाद: हे अर्जुन! मैं ही सूर्य रूप में तपता हूँ और मैं वर्षा का निग्रह तथा उत्सर्जन भी करता हूँ। मैं अमरता और मृत्यु एवं सत् और असत् भी हूँ।  O Arjuna! I radiate heat in the form of the sun, as well as hold back and send forth the rain. I am immortality and death, as well as the real and the unreal. Bhagavad Gita