Vaidyagrama & India 2023 - Part III

India February 7, 2023

Blog Post #16

ODE TO CARETAKERS, TEACHERS & STAFF

My Head Physician is Dr. Ramadas.

My Direct Physician is Dr. Suvedha.

My beloved teachers are Dr. Ramkumar and Dr Ramadas~

Dr Ramkumar and Dr Ramadas are Master Teachers in Ayurveda, Sānkhya, Ancient Texts and deep Meditation & Spirituality. They both open their mind and share their knowledge freely, with zero attachments to ego. They also add a humorous flair that is divine. It is a rare and precious gift. I soak up the opportunity for discussion any chance I get. This Pitta mind melts.

Dr Suvedha and spent hours with me, listening to my stories from home and offering me the highest support in my health concerns. She has held my hand when my tears were falling. She has also shared pictures from her graduation from medical school and on and on and on. I simply adore her.

My Therapists have been Krishna, Ardra, Aleena, Vishnavee, Bindamol, Prema and Famila.

Vishnavee has shared her adorable daughter Aleesha with us.

My Housekeepers (and jasmine flower bearers) are Bakkiya and Mehesani. Who always arrive with a smile and flowers and air kisses.

Krishna is the Operations Manager... Always offering hand to heart greetings and his beautiful wife Athira is the head of Accounts.

Pradeesh is the (EXCELLENT) Photographer and Social Media gentleman.

Aparna is managing all bookings and admissions and fitting all the patients in here like puzzle pieces into each room. She also arranges all changes that come her way and orchestrates Joyotish readings for this who wish to have them.

Geetha manages donations that come in to be distributed to the numerous community projects that Vaidyagrama does to support the surrounding villages – including a food and free medical camp program to the destitute elderly, a program to support 40 Desi cows, Balagrama- the building and management of onsite boys orphanage, the making of menstrual supplies for 150 local high school aged girls and on and on and on…. and on and on and on....

Sujatha glides through the pathways always offering bright eyes, blessings and wishes for good energy.

These Doctors, Therapists and Staff are taking care of us from dawn to dusk… and after dusk.

Therapists bring your medicine at 6 am, followed by additional medicines, tea and breakfast soon after. Then a soup snack. Then more Medicine and lunch. Then afternoon fruit and tea snack. Then more medicines and dinner. Then before bedtime medicine. In the middle of all of this, they are performing ALL of your body therapies (waters, massages, oils, nasayas, bastis, etc etc etc - all of this!) AND prepping for them / cleaning up after them AND then giving you a shower. They are also collecting and washing all of our dishes after each meal and fetching these meals from the kitchen on the other side of the campus. When they bring bedtime medicine at 8:30 pm, they come from their dormitory in their pajamas since most of them live here onsite. I am in an utter state of awe and appreciation at the level of care being taken of me. There are no words to describe this.

Dr Ramadas seems to have an endless supply of prana. Starting Morning prayers at 6:15 am, belting out chants with the lungs of an Olympic swimmer - and sometimes teaching classes until 9 pm. All day he is visiting patients and spending real TIME with them. Each day, he comes to check in on you, not just physically, but mentally and spiritually. Whatever may be occurring, he offers loving insight and advice and then all is right in the world. He also leaves the hospital to travel to see other patients hours away. I am in complete admiration of this human that is a loving father and husband, a teacher, a doctor and spiritual guide. He is a rare human. And even his gorgeous daughter helps in distributing Prasad after evening prayers. Filled with bright eyes and smiles. This is a family.

It is noticed.

It is appreciated.

I feel blessed.

Dr Harikumar and Dr Ramanandan are just as amazing in my brief interactions with them. Other patients PRAISE their care and teachings.

The level of attention and care received in this space is unprecedented.

I could write and write and write about how much I love this place, but I will keep it brief.

Thank you for reading.

Hari AUM

India Feb 11, 2023

Blog Post #17

Woke very early, cleaned and dressed... And did not want to wake Katrin, so I left the room early at 5:30 a.m.

The lights on the pathways are not yet lit.

It is seriously dark and begin using the flashlight on my phone to make my way. I'm a little concerned since a king cobra was spotted just a couple days ago.

I'm the only one out here moving around first thing in the morning, in this pitch dark jungle.

I hear rustlings of some "somethings" in the leaves on the ground and the adrenaline causes me to quicken my step to get to the reception area where there is light.

Ahh.

That's better.

I bid the night attendant and security guard a 'good morning', to which they both stand up from their chairs to greet me and then sit back down. Chivalry is not dead.

I make my way down the pitch dark pathways to get to the prayer hall.

All the lights are off ~ even within the complex. I do see a dim light from the prayer hall so it gives me some relief.

But I get to the door and it's locked.

So now I must sit outside on the bench ~ where I pull my feet up into a cross leg position not to leave my feet near the ground.

It's just me here.

In the dark.

Sitting alone.

In the dead silence.

With the crickets.

In the dark.

With the spiders and the snakes.

In the dark.

I would be lying if I didn't say I felt some apprehension in the fact that no one else would be making their way with their flip-flops clicking in the dark for another half an hour.

This fear is bringing up quite a bit of contemplation.

I AM NOTHING AGAINST ANIMAL

We have this great sense of security at night when we are tucked away in her homes, behind locked doors with electric light.

We have never been more safe and comfortable. We have never been more protected from animals and elements.

So much so, that we have gained the idea that we are superior.

There are no superior feelings when alone without shelter in a jungle at night.

Let us not forget how fragile we are.

Even though we are a part of nature, the bigger picture is that nature will always win.

Humans are actually the most fragile creatures on planet Earth, susceptible to parish with the simple bite of a spider.

Nature will always win.

No matter how much we think we have control over it.

Earth, water, fire, air, and ether and all of the animals and plants contained within this ecosystem are very powerful.

They are mandatory for existence, yet can be the most destructive forces we know.

Never take for granted the power of electric light.

This is also why we pay homage to a full moon of natural light in the dark.

Time passes.

I hear the flip-flops of the night man coming to turn on the lights of the pathways and unlock the door of the prayer room.

And all is right in the world.

Hari Aum

India February 14, 2023

Blog Post #18

Sunshine.

Rustling leaves.

A lazy afternoon.

The sound of chanting echoes in the distance.

Tropical birds in song.

Doctors in discussions with staff.

Every single day of my stay is another layer of Ayurveda study.

Sitting on a bench in front of my building that is shaded by a cascading vine of flowers.

Hummingbirds chase each other.

The temperature is shifting and getting warmer. It's quite hot today and I'm staying close to my room. The construction of these buildings allows for coolness without air conditioning.

In the Vedic calendar, Spring is upon us. On February 20, the season of Vasant begins.

I've been a bit more quiet in my sharing here since I have been in the deepest parts of my panchakarma therapy.... This requires lots of purgation happening from the body and the need to rest, rather than write.

I have also been in deeper states of meditation and contemplation.

I'm definitely brainstorming my next chapter.

I've met with the joyotish who has also helped me understand what will be most auspicious for me to do in the immediate and distant future.

I continue to meet people from all over the world. Interesting and fascinating discussions happening about hometowns and a typical day and numerous countries.

Most recently I have been spending lots of time chatting with an absolutely gorgeous German woman who now lives in Zurich, Switzerland. She has shared with me the ability to sit in saunas, then dip in cooling lakes, ablaze with bonfires in front of the Alps.

My new Slovenian sister has kept me absolutely in stitches with her stories of Ayahuasca and travels to Peru, Bolivia and Brazil. She is absolutely animated with hand gestures and sound effects. I adore her.

There is a small group of us who have adapted the daily routine of having a stroll together in the morning to do some laps around the large hall and then again in the evening after nightly prayers.

I've been invited to the home of people in 12 countries. I've been invited to host Satsang or simply come in for a meal. Feeling extremely blessed.

The hot water pouring has continued for the past 2 weeks. Each day I have experienced this beautiful moving bath of herbal hot water and massage.

Each evening I have had a Kati Basti, which is a localized treatment to my low back. It is the building of a small dough 'dam' of black gram flour/water.... Which creates a little barrier around my lumbar spine, of which is filled with hot herbal oil. The therapist fills up this bowl-like area on the low spine with warm oil and herbs by using her hands to pour it and then small towels to absorb it.

These two practices have had some very interesting effects on my nervous system.

Each day I have been taken care of from morning to night.

Herbal Medicine & Food.

Therapies of oil, herbs & pastes.

A Soft Breeze.

Jasmine Flowers.

Strolling Walks.

Cerebral Conversations.

Singing Birds.

Day & Night Chanting.

Agni Hotra.

Special Rituals.

Mind-Blowing Satsang.

India can be a life-altering event.

In addition to all that is offered in this space, the sheer culture is quite different.

Life is centered around spirituality. From the time of birth, the spiritual nature of life is at the front of everything. The visits to temples are important. There is no threat of hell and damnation... only speaking of tolerance and patience.

We have a lot to learn.

From each other.

Perhaps the daily five rituals spoken of earlier should become part of our life. They are simple, short and meaningful (I plan on continuing these practices when I get home).

At the same time, I feel that there is also beneficial information that can be offered by the West. This is a two-way street.

I'm so honored to be in the middle of it.

One thing that's standing out to me very clearly right now, is that we TRY TOO HARD.

Everything has to be a 'WOW' experience.

What I witness in my own is many seeking that WOW factor, rather than keeping things simple.

We don't need bells and whistles and bright lights and colors.

You don't need animals added to our practice...

We don't need sensory overload through sight, smell, taste, touch and sound.

One thing at a time is perfectly fine.

All we need is to be.

All we need is to be with each other.

All we need is to learn from each other.

To rest.

To stop pushing so hard.

To stop being convinced by all the noise in the world that everything about us is inadequate.

Be convinced that we will never truly heal.

We also try incredibly hard to replicate what we see here in India.

The Yoga/Āyurveda world in the United States is something far different.

There's no need for us to change it. It's perfect the way it is, thus why it has survived thousands of years. If you're a yoga instructor and you're reading this blog, or you're someone who is new to yoga and wishes to learn more, I invite you to take the traditional path.

There is more depth and healing in simplicity and tradition than you will find in any bells and whistles.

I'm beginning my deep Nasya panchakarma today. Ayurveda understands this therapy to be a direct pathway to the brain.

To the mind.

This is a deeper therapy than what we practice in the US, and one that must be done only while under supervision and accommodation, as well as be performed by a knowledgeable practitioner or doctor.

The practice of Panchakarma is one of purgation.... In the physical sense, the mental and emotional sense, and in the spiritual and energetic sense.

This particular practice is considered purgation of the mind.

See you on the other side.

Hari Aum

India February 18, 2023

Blog Post #19

Mahashivaratri~

I know the Village drums will be playing all day and night.

It's my final 9 days here and I'm already beginning to feel the bittersweet heaviness of departure sadness.

It's 5:30 a.m.

I hear the scraping of the shovels used to clean the cow barn.

Every single morning, the barn is cleaned, with all manure and urine being collected.

The 42 cows here are also cleaned, fed and taken for a walk.

They are harnessed and taken down the road like puppies.

These must be the happiest cows and planet Earth.

They are also the cleanest. The barn is just behind my building and I have not had one scent a cow since I've been here. The barn is undetectable.

That must be the cleanest barn on planet Earth.

These cows are respected and nurtured. Their milk is used for buttermilk, yogurt, ghee, etc. (and milk is never taken from a new mother).

They are cleaned, brushed, adorned with flowers and prayed for each day. Even the manure is processed for fertilizer for the gardens, as well as fuel for fires and Agnihotra. The cow patty bricks used for 'firewood' have no scent, as you would expect. It is a wonderful source of biofuel, which is used everywhere on this property, adding to its eco-friendly aim.

It blows my mind.

Why aren't we doing this in the US?

Is eco-friendly environment uses absolutely everything and repurposes it.

Every building has been built with the mud of the Earth surrounding it, with manually made and sun-dried bricks.

There is minimal paint, minimal concrete... but plenty of Earth.

The environment is built so there's no need for air conditioning but tall ceilings and ceiling fans keep it cool.

The soaps used for laundry, etc are soap nuts from the trees. The disinfectants are tea tree oil and lemongrass. The insect repellent is frankincense and a homemade recipe of incense.

All water used is recycled and used in the gardens. All of the food not eaten is given back to the animals. All flowers picked are given back to the Earth. You are getting showered in green gram flour and herbal waters for your hair...

Water cisterna dug into the Earth capture rains and nourish the land.

The air smells like Jasmine flowers.

There has never been a moment to feeling a sense of lack. It is beautiful to witness that everything runs absolutely smoothly and there's no chemicals here whatsoever.

The humanitarian projects here endless.

You've heard me mention many times about 'Project Moon'.

Ladies, how do you think life would be going through menstruation without any running water or sanitation supplies?

Punarnava Trust collects funds in order to make absolutely eco-friendly and biodegradable sanitary pads for 150 local high school girls. They make the pads out of cotton and wood pulp right here on site. They are packaged and given to the girls on a monthly basis. This is more than just having the sanitary supplies, but the support of the community and the education from elder women on menstruation and female anatomy. Otherwise, these girls would like that knowledge altogether and would not be able to attend school on the days that they're menstruated.

As I was writing this portion of the blog, I happen to be tagged in the daily distribution of the Annam. This is food cooked here in the kitchens onsite, packed up in a van and taken to 150 elderly / destitute villagers who would otherwise be starving. They have been left by their younger family members in search of work, or simply left behind. It is one large meal that's taken to them each day that they end up breaking in two.

Balagrama is also another building here on site that is a home for boys that come from broken, violently abusive or neglectful environments. They now have a chance to be safe, to go to school, learning martial arts, learning to respect their female counterparts, daily yoga, and most importantly how to be leaders in their community. Some of these boys have already graduated and are now employed at Vaidyagrama.

The elderly, the young women, and the boys were all chosen based on their need and living conditions.

Hearing the stories, seeing these people first hand and witnessing all of this action in front of my eyes makes me adore this place even more.

I have never witnessed a place more eco-conscious.

I have never witnessed a Panćakarma Center so dedicated and adhering to only to the classical texts of Ayurveda. If it is not written in the texts, it is not done here.

I am in awe.

The girls, the boys, the cows, and the elderly.... Filled with love.

Here is a link to see all of the amazing things that they are doing and community offerings of sustainability:

https://punarnavacommunity.org/further-initiatives/...

If you are ever hesitant on donations since you're not really sure where that money goes, this doesn't apply here. If you decide to donate, these funds go directly to the community surrounding me. I'm seeing it all unfold before my eyes.

US dollar goes a long way here, so no amount is too small. If you feel called to donate, simply click here: https://punarnavacommunity.org/donate/#.Y_F7ZuzhWNw

This morning I've run into a table and most likely broken a couple of toes! More on that later!

Off to a wonderful Shivaratri Pooja~ I'm sure there will be plenty of pics and video to share!

HARI AUM~

India February 19, 2023

Blog Post #20

To answer the question by Mario Sprindys on “What is Dinaćarya?”

Dinaćarya (दिनचर्या "daily-routine") is a concept in Ayurvedic medicine that looks at the cycles of nature and bases daily activities around these cycles. Ayurveda contends that routines help establish balance and that understanding daily cycles is useful for promoting health. Dinaćarya says that each day, two cycles of change occur, that correlate with the Ayurvedic concept of dosha.

Routines covered by Dinaćarya include: Waking time, elimination, hygiene, massage, exercise, bathing, meditation / prayer, meals, study, work, relaxation and sleeping time.

Dinaćarya Consists of 2 Daily Cycles:

Sun Cycle & Moon Cycle

During these two cycles, there are 4 hour periods of Kapha, Pitta and Vata Dosa. These Dosa are ever present in our lives (physical structure, mind tendencies, daily cycles and even lifecycle). They are also present in our body with varying intensity and combinations. We should prevent activities that aggravate these cycles. Of course, knowing what affects you requires an Ayurvedic Practitioner or Doctor Visit. (Be Aware: The online quiz will never be right).

That said –

SUN CYCLE: Sunrise to Sunset

(6:00 am – 6:00 pm)

6:00 am – 10:00 am is Kapha

10:00 am – 2:00 pm is Pitta

2:00 pm – 6:00 pm is Vata

MOON CYCLE: Sunset to Sunrise

(6:00 pm – 6:00 am)

6:00 pm – 10:00 pm is Kapha

10:00 pm – 2:00 am is Pitta

2:00 am – 6:00 am is Vata

If we overlap the characteristics of these times, as well as what will serve us best to do during these times, it corresponds exactly with modern understanding of circadian rhythm.

Dinaćarya Suggestions that are good for ALL:

***Cleaning & Oiling of Eyes, Ears, Nose, Teeth, Throat/Tongue & Head Each Morning is Mandatory (Keeps senses nourished & sharp)

***Wake / Prayer during Vata Time of Sun Cycle

***Go to sleep during Kapha Time of Moon Cycle

***Light Food in Morning / Evening

***Largest Meal 10 am – 2 pm (Pitta)

I also touched base of these info during my recorded Satsang for the Vaidyagrama patients just a few days ago. You may have a look at that Video shared to my timeline that is a 90 minute introduction to explain these dosa, what they mean and how they apply to time.

It is fascinating to witness how these sages understood the body / mind mechanisms that occur throughout the full rotation of the Earth and what activities serve to balance the human body / mind during these timeframes.

Then, each individual, based on their own Prakruti & Vikruti will have specific suggestions to bring about healing.

For those who have had consultation with me (along with this discussion), have you implemented the suggestions that should take place for you at certain times of day? Have you found any changes or benefits?

Please feel free to share this post. It is appreciated that you do not simply copy and paste to use as your own. Thank you!

Pics and Video in the India 2023 Album

HARI AUM!

India February 20, 2023

Big Post #21

Discussions with Dr. Ramkumar

Pancha Klesha:

The root of all suffering

Pancha Klesha is a key concept of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

In Sanskrit, this translates as 'five obstacles'.

Pancha Klesha are afflictions in the mind.

It is significantly 5, a sacred number found across many key concepts of Hinduism and yogic philosophy.

The Pancha Klesha are:

Avidya (ignorance)

Asmita (egoism)

Raga (craving)

Dvesha (aversion)

Abhinivesha (clinging to life)

Although the panchaklesha can block spiritual growth, Patanjali prescribes the eight-limbed path of yoga to overcome these obstacles.

Engaging in practices, such as asana, pranayama and meditation, can help one to observe how these afflictions manifest in the mind, body, and breath, leading to the understanding required to overcome them...

Why practice the eight limbs of yoga?

To Reduce Rajasic Manas.

Yoga helps us to recognize our true nature, that innate sense of love, peace, clarity and calm. It is said that if we can overcome ignorance of this truth, the other obstacles will dissolve naturally.

This is why Avidya is the first Klesha; it provides a foundation from which to surpass all others.

Only by overcoming these five obstacles can we truly reach enlightenment or samadhi.

When we engage with the pancha klesha, we become trapped in earthly suffering and are unable to progress beyond the physical body.

Our truest selves are free from these klesha, and so recognizing and understanding these sufferings in the mind can help us to come back to our true nature.

Does this take work?

Hell yes!

Avidya is the most important of these five obstacles, as ignorance causes an inability to recognise the other afflictions.

Ignorance of our true nature produces the most intense kind of suffering, as it creates a sense of separation from all other beings.

To overcome avidya is to remember our innate qualities of peace and compassion, and to have a strong awareness of our connection with the universe.

This is why self-awareness is so crucial for all things to be balanced in life. This applies to the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and energetic.... As I often reference in discussion.

This may also be expressed as an absence of experiential knowledge. Meaning most people will gather certificates of learning but simply take the time to experience learning through application.

Most learning these days is still in a state of ignorance simply for a state of status.

From ignorance, comes a dualistic perspective of self and 'other'.

This is asmita or egoism, a ruling sense of me, myself and I. We forget that we are all connected, that what hurts others hurts ourselves and vice versa. Egoism leads to strong attachments, not only to possessions, but to people, places and roles. When we are attached to our desires, we experience strong craving or raga, which leads to suffering when all is not exactly as we will it to be.

Being controlled by craving ultimately causes aversion, that constant need to lean away from the things we find unpleasant. This is dvesha, and it perpetuates a persistent and nagging sense of discontent. When we set attachments, desires and aversions in this way, it's natural that we fear change.

This clinging to life is the final obstacle; abhinivesha. Only when we are able to let go of control and embrace impermanence can we truly overcome suffering.

During these times of stress and uncertainty, the doshas also become imbalanced, which leads to an array of other physical and mental ailments...

I will continue to return to Astanga Yoga for clarity.

HARI Aum

India February 24, 2023

BLOG POST #22

The oil pours.

The hot water flows across the body.

All of it being massaged and pressed into the bones, into the bones of the face, even into the tips of the ears.

Rejuvenation.

By Natural Elements.

Mint, Coconut, Curry Leaves, Salt

I lick My lips at the incredible taste of everything.

Of the Earth Element.

Of the plants.

Of the fruits.

Of the grains.

Of the flowers.

All 5 Senses are heightened and sharp.

As if a huge antenna is transmitting from the eyes, the ears, the nose, the tongue and the skin.

Clarity of mind.

Smiles and laughter.

And the tears begin to flow with the thought of departure.

Yet they are sweet.

At the end of our group lunch yesterday, a tiny Indian grandmother sang us a beautiful bhajan, that reminded me solely of the grandmother spirits that sing the Caros of the Ayahuasca.

Dr Ramadas tapped his fingers on the table to keep the beat... I closed my eyes and drifted away.

I listened to her song... And even without translation, felt her utter devotion and vibration transmitting through the akashic field....

Accepted by my ears.

Be Here Now.

HARI AUM

India February 28, 2023

FINAL INDIA BLOG POST #23

Farewell to the scent of Bliss & Fire.

Farewell to the richness of India.

The culture of India is a mix of traditional and modern values. It has a strong emphasis on family values, and many people still practice traditional customs.

Spiritual practices dominate.

It's home to Vedic Darshan, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism.

It is AYURVEDA

Health of the Body & Mind

Of which depth and scope is sometimes misrepresented in the West

It is YOGA

Health of the Mind & Spirit

Of which depth and scope is sometimes misrepresented in the West

It is VEDANTA

Health of the Soul

Of which depth and scope is sometimes misrepresented in the West

Its known for its vibrant and colorful festivals, celebrating different aspects of culture. Festivals involve music, dance, and other forms of celebration....

But all seem to involve all five senses.

Bells and Fire.

Mantra Chant.

It is home to many art forms, like painting, sculpture, and literature.

India is also known for its delightful, rich and 'zinger' spiced food, which is heavily influenced by geography and climate. It is a vibrant use of spices and herbs, as well as unique flavors.

Indian cuisine is also known for vegetarian dishes - In fact, I may just well be a vegetarian now~

Indian fashion is often characterized by bright colors, intricate embroidery, and intricate designs. It is also known for its use of traditional fabrics, such as silk and cotton.

I personally feel the Saree is the most beautiful dress on planet Earth.

It is a country with a rich and diverse culture. Its people are proud of their heritage and traditions, and they strive to preserve and celebrate them.

Visiting India changes you.

On top of all of this deep, rich and mystical culture lies 1/5 of the Earth's population.

The good, the bad and the ugly....

Yet somehow, all seem connected to the earth.

Connected to animals.

Connected to the dirt.

Sometimes in the dirt.

Those amongst poverty here put all aspects of the human condition into new perspective.

Tears have fallen as I bid this incredible place goodbye.... as I bid farewell to those I've met from all over the world.

Visiting India changes you.

I enter the sands of Egypt.

I await an entirely new set of mystical experiences.

Tapping into the ancients.

Tapping into the vortex.

HARI AUM