Yoga and Ayurveda are ancient practices that have been in use for centuries, and their popularity has only continued to grow over the years. These two practices are intertwined with the Samkhya philosophy, which serves as the foundation of both practices. The Samkhya philosophy provides a systematic understanding of the body, mind, and spirit.
The Samkhya philosophy breaks down the human being into 25 elements, or evolutes, which are developed progressively out of one another. A yogi’s understanding of these evolutes and their order is equivalent to a musician learning musical scales. Samkhya imbues all techniques of yoga, including asana, pranayama, and meditation, with meaning and direction. Our instrument is the body-mind that consciousness learns to play.
Two of the 25 elements are the source from which the entire universe evolves, namely purusha and prakriti. Purusha refers to consciousness, the eternal reality, while prakriti refers to pure creative power.
Within prakriti are the three fundamental forces called the maha-gunas: tamas, inertia, and decay; rajas, momentum, and desire; and sattva, balance, luminosity, and knowledge. These three fundamental forces govern the entire universe, including the human being. According to the Samkhya philosophy, when there is an imbalance in any of the three forces, it leads to disharmony and disease.
Yoga and Ayurveda are based on the Samkhya philosophy, and they follow a gradual and systematic progression. Yoga begins at the gross or physical level, moves on to the subtler levels of mind and spirit, and returns to the gross with a higher consciousness level. Similarly, Ayurveda begins with the gross body and then moves on to the subtler aspects of the mind, emotions, and spirit.
Yoga and Ayurveda teach us to live in harmony with ourselves and nature. They help us maintain balance among the three fundamental forces and experience health and well-being at all levels. Yoga and Ayurveda practices like asana, pranayama, meditation, and herbal remedies promote physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
Samkhya philosophy forms the foundation of both Yoga and Ayurveda. It provides a systematic understanding of the body, mind, and spirit and helps us live in harmony with ourselves and nature. By understanding the 25 elements and the three fundamental forces, we can experience health and well-being at all levels. Integrating Yoga and Ayurveda practices into our daily lives can help us maintain balance and harmony and experience an overall sense of calm and tranquility.
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Dr. Sugesh
Dr. Sugesh 