Rasayana

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

In Ayurveda, the term rejuvenation has a much deeper meaning than being free of wrinkles and being beautiful. It was about preventing the suffering that comes with getting old so that one can devote more time to spiritual self-realization in the second half of life. The term "Rasa" is, like many Sanskrit words, multifaceted and holistic, so that it is difficult to translate it one-to-one into English. In Ayurveda literature, terms such as body fluid, feeling, plasma (rasa tissue) can be found. Independently of this, the 6 tastes are also referred to as "Rasa".

The Rasayana discipline can be divided into two areas, namely Rasayana therapy for an optimal condition of the nutritional tissue 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 today's Ayurveda, this mostly means the intake of Rasayana plants (Vatapika). According to Ayurvedic scriptures, this group of plants has a tissue-regenerating effect.

Three examples of typical Rasayana preparations

• Amalaki fruit (Emblica officinalis): The Amla fruit is most effective when boiled several times and then thickened. It is particularly ideal for athletes due to its muscle-building, fat-reducing effect, while at the same time buffering excess acidity. Amla is available in the form of tablets, capsules or powder.
• Triphala: A mixed preparation consisting of three fruits: Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and Bibhitaki (Terminalia belerica). A complementary mixture of one fruit each that balances Vata, Pitta and Kapha. It supports metabolism and digestion and thereby strengthens all organs. Due to its liver-detoxifying effect, it can also prevent age-related visual impairment. In Ayurveda, there is a connection between the liver and the eyes. As part of preventative measures, take daily before going to bed (dosage from 2 g per day). The cooling effect of the mixture can also protect against excessive night sweats.
• Chyavanprash: Named after the holy sage Chyavan, this potentized rich mixture consisting 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). Since it is a nutritional supplement, it is usually taken before meals. (Dosage from 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 used to take Triphala and Chyavanprash regularly 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 that is completely cut off from the outside world.

Behavioral Rasayana (Achara Rasayana)

In order to bring body, mind and soul into permanent harmony, a positive behavior based on Ayurvedic principles is recommended. The behavioral rasayana primarily includes ethical aspects such as love of truth, good behavior towards fellow human beings, devotion to love and compassion, tolerance, altruism, friendly speech, inner peace, self-control, cleanliness, etc.

Negative feelings such as jealousy, envy, hatred, fear, arrogance, doubt damage  the immune system and should therefore not arise in the first place. These feelings are located in the ego (Ahamkara) and mind (Manas). By promoting positivity, we can let go of negative feelings more easily and live from a higher consciousness. As a result, the principles of the behavioral rasayanas can often manifest themselves more strongly in 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 e.g. “I breathe in light and love and release all anger to the gravity of the earth.”
• Contemplation techniques, e.g. concentrate on a candle flame with your eyes slightly open for about ten minutes and feel the power.
• Situational application of an affirmation when negative feelings are triggered: e.g. in the case of envy: “I am happy about my neighbor’s success, etc.” or in the case of hatred: “I forgive him/her… and wish that I will be forgiven.”
• Preference for energy-rich, fresh, nutritious food (milk, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, unprocessed natural products ..= sattvic foods)
• Moderate consumption of overstimulation such as television, computer, mobile phone, radio, especially when there is negative media coverage
• Cultivating an open culture of conversation in partnership and family

Letting go of burdensome emotions from the past is one of the most central components to minimizing Ama (undigested material in the body and mind). One of the main causes of Ama is unresolved emotions. According to Ayurveda, Ama is a breeding ground for disease.

The original goal in Ayurveda is the pursuit of the true inner  Values ​​in order to ultimately achieve spiritual self-realization. The behavioral rasayana cannot be excluded from the Rasayana discipline or the Ayurvedic lifestyle.

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

Many thanks for this article to our guest author David Batra (Magister FH)

Ayurveda Batra

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A-5071 Wals-Siezenheim

Phone: +43 680 12 16 478

E-mail: ayurveda@batra.at