Rasayana

In German, the Ayurvedic discipline "Rasayana" is often translated as Ayurvedic rejuvenation or anti-aging. But does this discipline really only involve rejuvenation measures?

In Ayurveda, the term rejuvenation has a far deeper meaning than just wrinkle-free beauty. It was about preventing the suffering that comes with aging, allowing one to devote more time to spiritual self-realization in the second half of life. Like many Sanskrit words, the term "rasa" is multifaceted and holistic, making it difficult to translate directly into English. In Ayurvedic literature, terms such as body fluids, sensation, and plasma (rasa tissue) can be found. Independently of these, the six tastes are also referred to as "rasa."

The Rasayana discipline can be divided into two areas: Rasayana therapy for optimal tissue health and behavioral Rasayana for psychological and spiritual purity.

Although Rasayana therapy includes the intake of medicinal plants (Vatapika) as well as massages, detoxification procedures and relaxation techniques, In modern Ayurveda, this usually refers to the consumption of Rasayana plants (Vatapika). According to Ayurvedic texts, this group of plants has a tissue-regenerating effect.

Three examples of typical Rasayana preparations

• Amalaki fruit (Emblica officinalis)Amla fruit is most effective when boiled several times and then thickened. It's particularly ideal for athletes due to its muscle-building and fat-reducing effects, while also buffering hyperacidity. Amla is available in tablet form, capsules, or powder.
• Triphala: A blended preparation consisting of three fruits: Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), and Bibhitaki (Terminalia belerica). A complementary blend of one fruit each to balance Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. It supports metabolism and digestion, thereby strengthening all organs. Due to its liver-detoxifying effect, it can also prevent age-related vision loss. Ayurveda recognizes a connection between the liver and the eyes. As part of preventative measures, take daily before bedtime (dosage starting at 2 g per day). The cooling effect of the blend can also protect against excessive night sweats.
• Chyavanprash: Named after the holy sage Chyavan, this potentized, rich blend of over 50 herbs (main ingredient: amalaki) is considered one of the most effective rasayana for immune stimulation. It primarily promotes healthy cell development and, according to Ayurveda, has an anti-allergic effect. Chyavanprash is available as a paste (leham). As it is a tonic, it is usually taken before meals. (Dosage starts at 1 teaspoon per day)

Contraindications for taking Triphala are excessively soft stools and Chyavanprash is not suitable for people with diabetes due to its sugar content. These rasayanas can be used preventively to maintain inner balance. My Indian grandparents regularly consumed Triphala and Chyavanprash and were able to stay fit well into old age. In addition to specific Ayurvedic Rasayana preparations, foods such as milk, ghee, garlic, etc. are also considered Rasayana substances.

In today’s Ayurveda, however, the Rasayana therapy of “Kutipravesha” is almost irrelevant.Here, the patient performs spiritual exercises, fasts, takes Rasayana preparations and is given only light food for an astrologically calculated period of time in a special house completely cut off from the outside world.

Behavioral Rasayana (Achara Rasayana)

To achieve lasting harmony of body, mind, and soul, positive behavior according to Ayurvedic principles is recommended. Behavioral rasayana primarily includes ethical aspects such as love of truth, good behavior toward others, devotion to love and compassion, tolerance, altruism, kind speech, inner peace, self-control, cleanliness, etc.

Negative feelings such as jealousy, envy, hatred, fear, arrogance, doubt harm the immune system and should therefore not arise in the first place. These feelings are located in the ego (ahamkara) and mind (manas). By fostering positivity, we can more easily let go of negative feelings and live from a higher consciousness. Consequently, the principles of the behavioral rasayanas can manifest themselves much more strongly within us.

To support the purity of the psyche, I recommend the following application techniques and behaviors in everyday life.

• Spontaneously and consciously perceive positive things (the beauty of nature, the sunrise, the wonders of the earth, pleasant people, etc.)
• Visualization techniques to increase positivity z.B"I breathe in light and love and release all anger to the earth's gravity."
• Contemplation techniques z.B. With your eyes slightly open, concentrate on a candle flame for about ten minutes and feel the power.
• Situational application of an affirmation when triggering negative feelings: z.B. in case of envy: "I am happy about my neighbor's success, etc." or in case of hatred: "I forgive him/her ..... and wish that I will be forgiven."
• Preferring energy-rich, fresh, nutritious food (milk, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, unprocessed natural products ..= sattvic foods)
• Moderate consumption of overstimulation such as television, computers, mobile phones, radio, especially when negative media reports are present
• Maintain a culture of open dialogue in partnerships and families

Letting go of burdening past emotions is one of the most crucial components for minimizing ama (undigested material in the body and mind). One of the main causes of ama is unprocessed emotions. According to Ayurveda, ama is a breeding ground for disease.

The original goal in Ayurveda is to strive for the true inner Values ​​to ultimately achieve spiritual self-realization. Behavioral Rasayana is an integral part of the Rasayana discipline and the Ayurvedic lifestyle.

Rasayana is a holistic construct within Ayurvedic health science (Swastha vritta) that is related to all other disciplines of Ayurveda.

Many thanks to our guest author for this article David Batra (Master of Arts)

Ayurveda Batra

Holzmeisterstraße 6

A-5071 Wals-Siezenheim

Phone: +43 680 12 16 478

E-mail: ayurveda@batra.at