Ayurveda – In Sync with Nature

We hear about the need for ‘saving the environment’ all the time. Despite knowing everything, what do we really do about it – plant trees, use non-polluting gases for transportation, and organize campaigns like Save Water or Protect Forests? But is that enough? On this World Environment Day, I urge our readers to follow Ayurveda, the world’s oldest science of healing, which helps individuals get in sync with nature to lead a balanced, happy and productive lives.

According to Ayurveda, everything in this universe is the product of different combinations of the five basic elements: Earth (Prithvi), Water (Jal), Fire (Agni), Air (Vayu), and Space (Akash). The human body too is physically made up of exactly the same elements that form all of the other entities that inhabit the earth. Ayurveda propounds the principle of natural balance within the body and harmony with the environment. People are seen as an integral part of their habitat – not as a separate entity from the natural world. Obtaining and maintaining balance within the body and mind, and with the external environment, is one of the goals of this knowledge. Living in harmony with nature and according to natural principles ensures complete physical health and peace of mind.

The basic elemental compatibility between the universe and humans tells us why substances found in the natural world (plants, herbs, foods) are usually harmonious with the human system. They can be easily absorbed and cause no adverse reactions or side-effects (if consumed in appropriate quantities) because they are fundamentally the same in character and composition. Foods and herbs are able to repair and restructure humans because they share a common elemental basis.

The nature gives us ample resources to maintain the balance in our bodies and in the environment. However, we seldom make use of them due to our own ignorance. Because we are forever short of time, we prefer to opt for quick-fix solutions instead of giving nature a chance to help us. At Jiva, it is our mission to propagate an Ayurvedic way of life that helps in maintaining health and benefiting the environment. We believe, if every human being adopts Ayurveda as part of his life – eats fresh, natural food, leads an active lifestyle by exercising regularly, practices Yoga and meditation, and uses herbal medicines and products – we can together make a big contribution to the world around us.

To help people adopt an Ayurvedic way of life, I have developed the Jivananda (Jiva means ‘soul’ and Ananda means ‘bliss’) program – a lifestyle regimen that includes simple routines and practices to usher in perpetual happiness into our lives. It uses a balanced and holistic approach that is easy, comfortable and entirely convenient. It teaches people in the busy life of today to lead a natural life. While living a natural life one can experience all the benefits of flowing with the powerfully creative energy force, rather than resisting it, which many do, unconsciously. When one lives a life in accord with natural laws, so much more can be achieved by doing less. This is the supreme style of living.

Let’s take a pledge that we will not just ‘plant trees’ or ‘save water’; we will also do something real and long-lasting to help the environment. Start leading an Ayurvedic way of life with Jivananda and see the difference it makes to the environment you live in.

Wishing you Health and Happiness