Ayurveda does not look upon the human being as a limited set of biochemical processes. It does not regard the mind as merely a function of the brain. It does not look upon the individual as a product of social circumstances, though all these factors can be important. Ayurveda views the human soul as pure awareness, linked but not limited to the mind-body complex, which is its instrument of manifestation.
In the modern developed world, our problems are mainly psychological. We have adequate food, clothing, and shelter, which prevents us from getting most physical diseases. Yet, though most of us have no major physical problems, we still suffer from psychological unrest. This unrest may manifest as feelings of loneliness, not being loved or appreciated, anger, stress, or anxiety.
Our very way of life breeds unhappiness. We have an active and turbulent culture in which there is little peace or contentment. We have disturbed the organic roots of life, which are good food, water and air, and happy relations. We live in an artificial world dominated by an urban landscape and mass media, in which there is little to nourish the soul. We ever desire new things and are seldom content with what we have. We run from one stimulation to the other. We take a quick pill when a problem arises, hoping it will go away, not recognizing that it may only be a symptom of a life out of balance.
Ayurveda on the other hand, on the other hand, teaches hamony with Nature, simplicity and contentment as keys to well being. It shows us how to live in a state of balance in which fulfillment is a matter of being, not becoming. It connects us with the wellsprings of creativity and happiness within our consciousness, so that we can permanently overcome our psychological problems. But this requires changing how we live, think, and perceive.
This post is a small summarization of Dr. Frawley’s book about the psychology of Ayurveda. Within the next weeks there will be more blog posts about this topic.
source: Frawley, D. (2011). Ayurveda and the Mind. The Healing of Consciousness. Lotus Press.
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