Yoga | Pranayam | Tantra

Ayurveda is based on the eternal wisdom of the rishis who received this science of the perfect wholeness of Cosmic Consciousness, through contemplation and meditation. Ayurveda is concerned with eight branches of medicine. Each of these medical specialties is addressed according to theories of the five elements (Ether, Air, Fir, Water, Earth); the tridosha, or three bodily humors: the seven dhatus, or body tissues: three malas (urine, stools, sweat); and the trinity of life: body, mind and spiritual awareness.

All Ayurvedic literature is based on the Samkhya philosophy of creation. (The roots of the term Samkhya are two Sanskrit words: sat, meaning "truth," and Khya, meaning to know.") The source of all existence is Cosmic Consciousness, which manifests as male and female energy-Shiva and Shakti.

Purusha is the male, Prakruti is the female energy. Prakruti creates all forms in the universe and contains the three attributes, or gunas, in all nature. The three gunas are sattva (essence), rajas (movement) and tamas (inertia). The first manifestation from Prakruti is Cosmic Intellect. From Mahad, Ego (Ahamkar) is formed. Ego then manifests into the five senses (tanmatras) and the five motor organs, with the help of sattva, thus creating the organic universe. The same ego further manifests into the five basic elements (bhutas) - Sound is the guna of Ether (Akash), Touch is the guna of Air (Vayu), Sight is the guna of Fire (Tejas), Taste is the guna of Water (jala), Smell is the guna of Earth (Prithvi) with the help of tamas, to create the inorganic universe.

Ayurveda is a Sanskrit term meaning "science of life." Ayu means "life" or "daily living," and Veda is "knowing." Ayurveda was first recorded in the Vedas. Ayurveda views health and "disease" in holistic terms. Through studying the teachings of Ayurveda, the practical knowledge of self-healing may be acquired by anyone.