Redefining & Rebalancing Our Mastermind – Ayurvedarian

यत् भावो तत् भवति–We are what we think or whatever is in our thoughts is what happens. This is the power of our amazing mind. Our mind is influenced by various factors both internal and external leading to differences in personalities, thoughts and emotion processes and psychological conditions or disorders as well. The environment around us is fully polluted in the recent times leading to fogs, smogs, etc in major cities in the world. Similarly the overload of information from various sources around us leads to fogging of our brain leading to loss of clarity of thoughts, anxiety, fears etc., These mental/emotional disturbances have severe repreccusions on our physical physiological, and mental health. Brain fog, stress related anxiety, depression, insomnia or disturbed sleep along with various lifestyle disorders like obesity, hypertension, diabetes, are commonly seen conditions in the present day scenario. Irrespective of age,, these conditions seem to have a huge impact on our lives constantly. In modern science these conditions only have symptomatic treatments whereas the ancient health science of Ayurveda provides us with the concepts linking to the causes of these conditions and also simple yet miraculously effective lifestyle changes and treatments to counter these conditions and improve our life quality physically, physiologically and emotionally.

So what is mind? The mind can be defined as a person’s set of intellectual or mental faculties. In simple words, the mind is that which thinks, feels, perceives, imagines, remembers and wills. It covers the totality of mental phenomena, including both conscious, processes through which an individual is aware of external and internal circumstances and unconscious processes, which can influence an individual without intention or awareness. The human mind refers to the group of cognitive psychiatric processes that include functions like perceptions, memory, reasoning etc. Depending on how the neurons are activated and connected to the different parts of the brain, our mental skills will be more or less efficient. The mind possesses some major cognitive skills like attention, perception, memory, reasoning and co-ordination. These cognitive skills can be divided into two major mental processes known psychologically as conscious process and subconscious process.

The conscious, subconscious and unconscious sections of our mind make us what we are. The conscious mind is the receiver of information from all our sensory organs. It has no filter or barrier unless our subconscious mind steps in. the subconscious mind is the filter and processor of the information received. What needs to be processed and stored and what needs to be just trashed is decided by our subconscious mind. Finally our unconscious mind is the storage house for various belief systems, memories etc processed by the subconscious mind. But the processing of the data or information depends on the belief systems formed at our younger ages by our parents, friends, teachers & the environment.

The fears, desires, confidence are all the result of the memories and belief systems formed in the unconscious mind during the formative years. But that does not mean that we cannot change or overcome any of these things to change our life.

As the saying goes ‘Prevention is better than cure” so let us start from the input processes. Instead of changing our belief systems and memories in the later stage of life, it is very important to mindfully provide info to the conscious mind. In today’s fast paced techno media world access to information of any kind is freely available and unbiased to a very large extent. It is very necessary to control the sorts of information available to the children especially in the growth years (0-14yrs), when the belief systems are formed. Surrounding the children with positive news and ideas, to build confidence, good thoughts, empathy and resilience rather than reels or videos which build fear, greed, hatred and other negative beliefs in their mind is what is necessary and important in homes or schools. What we speak, how we act and conduct ourselves with family, friends and community is what the child also picks up and forms as a belief system/memory permanently etched into the mind. Ethics, memories, beliefs and qualities we need our children to build and believe have to be etched into their unconscious mind in young age itself.

Now let us see what happens once they are etched in the unconscious mind? The information perceived by the conscious mind is processed and segregated int he subconscious mind. This segregation takes place with reference to the memories and beliefs already in the unconscious mind. At an age when no memories or beliefs are etched everything which is perceived is stored, so it is very important to make sure that the right data or info is sent into the mind. As the age progresses, there are memories and belief systems which are formed in the unconscious mind. Now the subconscious mind forces the conscious mind to perceive and act with reference to the belief systems and memories. If negative belief systems, fears etc. are stored then it limits the actions of the person from going ahead.

Even though we make new memories as we go in our lives, incident or data which may not match with our belief systems does not get registered unless and util it is forcefully engraved. negative or painful emotions force their way through the barrier and get engraved. But positive emotions or new ethics, beliefs needs to forcefully etched by repetitions or continuous practice only.

Ayurveda, the holistic life science of India, believes that health is only when the physical, physiological and psychological balance is achieved along with a pleasurable mind and satisfied soul . The mind according to the Indian philosophy is supposed to have 03 gunas namely satva, rajas and tamas. Depending upon the predominance of the gunas the emotions and actions of the person are observed. The manogunas also depend on the type of food we eat, the environment, the seasons and the stress levels as well.

Ayurveda, the holistic Indian science has always considered mental and physical health equally important. Indian philosophy considers human also part of nature and like all other things in nature, human is also made up of the 05 basic elements, the 05 elements are present in the form of 03 doshas in the body. The tridoshas vata, pitta and kapha build, maintain and rejuvenate the body. the predominance of either of the doshas determines the physical, physiological and psychological characteristics in the person. Naturally every individual has a different predominance and quantity of each of the doshas. so the characteristics differ individually giving each person his/her own personality. The characteristics depends upon element predominantly found in the predominant dosha in the particular individual. There is also the concept of manasika gunas or the qualities of the mind which also determine the personality of the individual along with his/her doshic prakriti.

Let us now know a bit more about each of these personalities based on doshas and manasika gunas.

Vata Psyche-The Creative but confused–vayu or Vata dosha is made up of ether and air elements of the nature. Both of these have the characteristics like space, movement, dryness etc. People with vata predominant mental personality will show qualities like being talented, positive trusting, compassionate, open-minded, humanitarian and forgiving but they find it very difficult to focus/concentrate on one particular thing just like air in movement. They are strongly affected by the people around them as well as the surroundings. This if not balanced and cared for, leads to severe insecurity, fear, inability to focus, self destructive behaviour, self criticism, confusion and excessive guilt. When balanced, these are one of the best designers, artists, musicians, inventors. speakers, and businessman. In their best moods creativity flows like air in the nature.

Pitta Psyche-the Dashing Dynamic but Egoist–A rare mix of fire and water elements of the nature in the form of Pitta in the body is responsible for conversion or understanding function. Fire predominance makes this personality hot or sharp both in body and mind. Notoriously difficult to argue with, always blaming and criticizing others and take forever to realize their mistake, pitta predominant people tend to be logical, competitive, intelligent, persistent, goal oriented, good leaders and rational decision makers. Although they are not sensitive to other people’s ideas or emotions and lack compassion, they are very good motivators and take control of people around them. When out of balance, theses people tend to over work, develop ego becoming opinionated making them irritable and angry leading to manipulative behavior. They make excellent leaders, people @ power/high positions, advocates, sport stars (competitiveness), CEOs or even Mafia leaders.

Kapha Psyche-The Calm, Grounded force of Harmony–Kapha dosha made up of water and earth elements of the nature creates the most efficient balanced and harmonious body and mind personalities. Kapha personalities are grounded, with best health and endurance. Though psychologically they are slow and methodical, love routine and familiarity, they are usually very devoted, loyal in all aspects of life, always try to avoid conflicts or change as they like a stable and quiet environment around them. When the kapha balance is altered, they tend to become lethargic or demotivated, isolate themselves and turn to food & sleep for comfort. Sometimes they go into emotional eating leading to obesity and other lifestyle disorders. Motivated kapha persona are consistent, like repetitive jobs and very good finishers and hard workers. They love to be left to themselves and then they succeed, shine in peace.

As mentioned above, Ayurveda and yoga also mention a concept of manasika prakriti or manogunas which are slightly different from body prakriti of Vata, Pitta & Kapha. Let us also know a bit about the same.

Manasika prakriti or psychological constitution is also formed at the same moment as the physical constitution but the hereditary components, social surrounding, personal factors like diet, experiences and cultural background determine the development of psychological constitution further. Unlike the sharirika prakriti which cannot be changed, the gunas or the manasika prakriti is constantly influenced by the factors mentioned above. thus the psychological constituion may/can be changed relatively to the influence of surrounding factors and experiences. A person’s mind may appear different in different situations depending upon the predominance of the guna and its influence.

Ayurvedic mental constitution is catergorised into mainly 03 fundamental attributes (gunas)-sattva, rajas and tamas. Based on the predominance of the basic manogunas, Ayurveda describes 16 major personalities. here are some of the characteristics or qualities of the 03 main psychological personalities–

Satvika – A calm and an auspicious personality full of kindness, truthfulness, forgiveness, optimistic, knowledgeable, with logical intelligence, good memory and retention power, wisdom but equally non attached to worldly pleasures. The sub personalities in Satvika prakriti are Brahma stava (self controlled, pure), Arsha satva (like the rishis – hospitable, devoid of pride, hatred etc), Aindra satva (Prosperous, brave, advisory), Yamya satva (Alert, logical, good memory), Varuna satva (brave, patient, fondness to aquatic sports), Kaubera satva (Possessor of honors, wealth and luxuries), Gandharva satva (Liking for arts, love and women) Satvika persons are considered blemish less and healthy leading to knowledge and happiness because of selfless motivated actions.

Rajasika – An aggressive, egoistic, personality, impatient, untruthful, unkindful, hypocritic, arrogant, lustful, angry, excessive travelling kind of person. The person is generally very energetic but due to impatience and arrogant qualities, appear to be reckless. The sub personalities of rajasika personality include Asura satva (cruel, brave, ruthless, self-indulgent), Rakshasa satva (intolerant, angry, envious, fondness for money), Paishacha satva (greedy, list of woman, cowardice), Sarpa Satva (brave, wrathful, hasty, double dealing), Praita satva (foodie, mournful, excessive greediness), Shakuna satva (Excessive food fondness, unsteadiness, ruthlessness) Rajasika persons are passionate but also have an origin for longing, ruthlessness and attachment leading to intense joy or sorrow or anger.

Tamasika – Considered the least, this personality persons are lethargic, foolish, dull, sad, sleepy and have prevented intelligence. The person with this personality are lazy and so least desired psycchological personality. Coming to the sub personalities in the group, we have Pashava satva (restrictive nature, lack of intelligence, excessive sleep, daydreaming etc.), Matsya satva (coward, greed for food, instability, desire for water), Vanapataya Satva (lethargy, lack of intellectual abilities)

Ancient science of Ayurveda says there is a separate part dedicated to mental health and balance. Ayurveda considers a person healthy only when physical, psychological, physiological balance is there along with happy and satisfied mind and soul. Any kind of neurotic, psychotic, psychosomatic or behaviourial, conditions his remedies and therapies mentioned in Ayurveda. Satvavajaya, Daivavyapashraya and Yuktivyapashaya are the 03 strategies of treatment mentioned for different conditions in Ayurveda.

Ayurveda has always laid more stress on prevention over cure. The mentioned 03 strategies are both preventive and curative in nature. Let us just see how it works-

1. Daivavyapashraya – This is nothing but faith therapy. Faith has been and will be part and parcel of the human race. Depending on one’s culture, religion, upbringing and environment, every individual believes or trusts or has faith in a power which heals them. It can be medicine, doctor, God, supernatural power or effects of past deeds. The use of mantras, homas, pujas, manis (jewellery), amulets, auspicious ceremonies, niyama (practice of healthy, religious habits), Prayaschita (atonement), Upavasa (fasting), visits to religious places, tapas (meditation) etc are practiced even today in various cultures both in India and abroad to prevent certain conditions as well as cure various physical and mental conditions. Even modern hypnotherapy uses past life regression, aroma therapy uses various scents and essential oils and energy healing like Pranic and Reiki etc use similar refined techniques. I will go into detail effect of the techniques in another article. Use of certain types of diets, application of certain pastes are also part of daivavyapashraya strategy.

2. Yuktivyapashraya – This strategy uses the logical balancing of the tridoshas (vata, pitta, kapha) of our body to balance the psychological imbalances. Previously we saw that the vata, pitta, kapha are not only sharirika prakritis but also constitute the manasika prakriti as well. So any imbalance in the body also effects the psychological balance. It is where physical priority is corrected by administration of medicines for cure or prevention of disease along with balanced diet to alleviate the disease. It has mainly 02 measures-a. Antahaparimarjana-includes both cleansing and pacificatory treatments of Ayurveda. The cleansing therapies known as Panchakarma therapies include vamana, virechana, vasti, Nasyma & raktamokshana which help in eliminating the imbalanced doshas. the pacificatory therapy includes medicines, diets and regimens to alleviate the vitiated doshas. b. Bahirparimarjana–this includes group of certain external treatments which help in not only relaxing but also detoxifies through the largest organ of our body -the skin. There are also treatments like shirodhara, takradhara etc which help to balance the vata element and thereby reduce the stress in the body and mind.

3. Satvavajaya – This strategy is nothing but traditional mental health promoting practices which includes health regiments (swasthavritta), correct behaviour (sadvritta), and yoga. In the modern psychiatry this can be considered as psychotherapy. all the Indian scriptures stress on mind control or mental restraint for healthy psyche. Ayurveda says that this can be achieved through spiritual knowledge, philosophy, fortitude, remembrance and concentration. Prajnparadha (mistake done knowingly) is said to be the main causative factor for most of the modern psychological problems in today’s world. emotions like guilt, fear, anger etc, bundled up or held in the subconscious mind leads to conditions like anxiety, depression, etc. Two main methods of satvavajaya include a. Assurance to the patient of the return of lost objects or persons. b. Inducement of emotions opposite to those associated with patients distress. Many of these processes are similar to the various hypnotherapy and psychotherapy procedures in the modern psychology.

Apart from all these treatments, therapy strategies, Ayurveda suggests everybody to follow Achara Rasayana (Ideal Behaviour of human being). Careful detailed study of Achara Rasayana (Ethical Alchemy) reveals that most of them are related with Mana, Dhi Dhriti along with good conduct which result in maximum benefits.

Some of the points or regimens mentioned include:

1. Satyavadinam-to speak truth
2. Akrodham – Remain anger less
3. Nivrutta Madhya and Maithuna – Avoid alcohol and inappropriate sex indulgence
4. ahimsa – follow Non-violence
5. Anayasam – Avoid over exertion or burnout, Learn to say ‘NO’
6. Prashantam – remain calm and peaceful
7. Priyavadinam – Practise pleasing soft speech
8. Japa/tapas – regular prayers/meditation
9. Shaucha – Keep cleanliness, clutter-free space and mind
10. Sama Jagarana Swapnam -Timely sleep & wakefulness
11. Nitya Kshira Grita Asinam – balanced diet
12. Desha Kala Pramanadnyam – Mould your activities in tune with the place, time and norms of the occassion
13. Yuktijnam and Anahanakratam -Act with rationality , be factful and egoless
14. Sastaacharam Asankinam & Jeetatmanam – Pure, disciplined & full of self control
15. Adhyatmapravanendriyam -regularly study and keep yourself updated

Rasayan therapy in Ayurveda helps to rejuvenate and keep one young and happy. treatments keep your body young and Achara Rasayan will keep your mind and soul young. Dwelling on past instead of living the present and destroy the future is not the way of life. Leaving from past experiences applying them in the present and shaping our future in line with our vision and dreams is how we have to live our precious lives.

Ending with a Quote by Wayne Dyer

” You create your thoughts, your thoughts create intentions and your intentions create your reality.”

Love, Live, Smile, Think & Work to Satisfy Yourself & NOT to Please Others.