Report on Ayurveda Workshop at Vedika Global
Vedika Global in association with Yoga Bharati, SF Bay Area Chapter, conducted a 2-day Ayurvedic Workshop for Yoga Practitioners’ on Sept 17th and 18th, 2011. The event was well attended with over 40 seekers attending and posing some interesting questions along the way.
All of us were greeted in Vedika Global with the tradition of applying chandan. kumkum and rice tilak – a common form of greeting in India. After being served wholesome breakfast of cream of wheat prepared with milk and spices, the session began with prayers and an introduction to Ayurveda by Vedika’s founder Shunya Pratichi Mathur and Dr. Mahesh, a visiting expert on Ayurveda from India.
The first day of the workshop was occupied by the history of Ayurveda and its practicality. Since time immemorial, sincere followers of Ayurveda have led a happy and healthy life without any major illnesses and with good stamina for 90-100 years old.
The Ancient Indian philosophy (Sanatana Dharma’s) pillars of life – Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha and its connection to Ayurveda was discussed. Anyone trying to achieve purushartha have to follow Ayurvedic rules, regulation and advice to achieve the results. The basics of Ayurveda were explained elegantly including the concept of Panchamabutas or five elements of nature – Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Space and its relationship to the Doshas– Vata, Pitta and Kapha. This led to the discussion on Ayurvedic rule of thumb – ‘similarities’ increasedosha while dissimilarities’ decrease’ dosha.
The three concepts of Ayurveda – Dosha (Force), Dhatu (tissue) and Mala (Waste) were explained. A detailed explanation on Prakriti and Vikruti and the timing/age for precedence of the three Dosha’s in Human Body was also given. Throughout the explanation, examples of patients were given, some of who were present in the room.
On the second day, the concept of Agni and Aama was explained along with the importance of digestion in Ayurveda. The six tastes (Shad Rasas) and their role in correcting and maintaining proper doshas in the body for health were discussed. Restorative yogasanas and pranayama for different doshas were discussed. The entire session was interactive with all of our questions answered diligently.
This was followed by cooking demonstration by Sanjayji, whose cooking we enjoyed on both the days. He demonstrated making of rose water, spiced milk and kadhi. The samples were heavenly. We all parted ways after the two-day workshop but it left a deep rooted desire to seek more on this ancient art of life – Ayurveda!
On both days, we had sumptuous, healthy, Ayurvedic breakfast and lunch. We are truly blessed to have received this knowledge and have some true gurus close to us.
Details about Vedika can be found at: http://www.vedikaglobal.org/