RASAYANA FOR LIFE
Sharing with you the mental and physical code of conduct to live happy and healthy life by CHARAK.
In Charaka Samhita, Charaka tells about Rasayana, which is different different rejuvinatives. Interesting thing is that he tells of the Achara Rasayana which is a code of conduct that will give equal benefit and rejuvinative effects of any of the Rasayanas mentioned.
So here is his Achara Rasayana. Achara rasayana literally means physical and mental conducts of man. This is a measure having no involvement of medicaments. If it is adopted in the day to day practice, it replenishes and maintains the total life process free from ailments. It is the deep mental hygiene to be followed by definite methods to lead on ideal ethical way of living.
From this, you can see that from view of ALL Vedic knowledge, not just Ayurveda, purity is the obvious path of life towards ones highest health mentally as well as physically. We can also see how the knowledge of karma is comprehended and worked with as well. Funny, while we live in a day of mass information lacking knowledge and wisdom with the internet, everyone (or almost everyone) is searching to take something that will save them or cure them. A magical powder or the newest health fad is taken or followed blindly. It shows the lack of discrimination and discernment of the modern world. This is simple, it is all within. And it is all just as easy as the following.
ACHARA RASAYANA:
◆ Always speak truth.
◆ Stay away from anger.
◆ Stay away from alcohol and any kind of addiction.
◆ Follow nonviolence.
◆ Do not do physical or mental stress beyond capacity.
◆ Keep the mind peaceful.
◆ Speak pleasantly.
◆ Practice tapas (austerity).
◆ Practice cleanliness.
◆ Have fortitude.
◆ Be charitable.
◆ Perform penance.
◆ Respect God, Cow, Brahmana, Guru, Teachers, and Elders
◆ Stay away from cruelty.
◆ Have pity towards all beings
◆ Sleep and Wake at the proper times
◆ Take milk and ghee with food daily
◆ Have proper knowledge (pramana) and discernment of the location (environment) of where one is, the time and season (kala) and the quantity for the individual
◆ Have proper planning
◆ Sacrifice ego
◆ Always do good deeds
◆ Eat simple uncomplicated food
◆ Keep senses internal and mind focused on Atma
◆ Always serve and pray to god
◆ Have reverence for elders, people who believe in god, and those who have self realization.
– Charaka Samhita Chikitsastana Chapter 1 Pada 4 Sloka 30 – 35
Vivek
Infinite love
Infinite wisdom
