Achara Rasayana ~ Ayurvedic Behavioral Medicine for the Mind, Body and Soul

The concept of achara rasayana is that we can change our behaviors in order to find balance and reverse the disease process. In essence, it is behavioral medicine for the mind, body and soul in the form of promoting a healthy, ethical regimen (sadvritta) by which to live. This behavioral medicine plays a crucial role in addressing how to face and navigate living in a chronically unhealthy society. It also acts as a means to prevent disease due to stress, and unhealthy lifestyle and dietary choices, which are the primary causes of disease.

For me, the most important concepts in my personal self-development is first and foremost, the reminder of the importance of living this healthy and ethical regimen in order to maintain balance in mind, body and spirit. I grew up in Catholic education through my college years. One of the greatest gifts from my education was this belief in living a virtuous life: the Ten Commandments. As a foundation for action and beliefs, I have found this upbringing beneficial to my personal achara rasayana; it instilled the importance of ahimsa, non-harming (in every sense- physical, emotional, speech, thought), a connection with the Divine, charity, austerity, respect, empathy, sympathy and compassion, and being truthful. In time, Ayurveda and Yoga have become the container for these practices that were taught to me during my formative years.

With the arrival of first Yoga, and later, Ayurveda in my life, many of these foundational practices took on deeper or new meaning. Truth has expanded to include a deeper sense of living within my own true identity, a deeper sense of being true to myself. The destructive force of stress, which finds its foundation in the mind, causes physiological changes in the body. We tend to construct an external reality that appears in accordance with current society and all its priorities. Often this reality is not in line with our inner nature, and is actually conflicted with our true identity. This creates duality and...stress. Living with this conflict of nature is not viable for too long, and eventually, that conflict needs some sort of resolution or it will lead to chronic states of disease. About a year and half ago, my need to fulfill some “external reality” clashed with my true dharma and core beliefs; this clash manifested in acute stress to the point of illness and emotional collapse. It took this dramatic eruption in order for my veil to lift. I felt an undeniable need to live my truth. This brought about changes in relationships, lifestyle, profession and diet - further aspects of achara rasayana. It also brought about a deeper commitment to Yoga and Ayurveda, and a return to balance physically, mentally and spiritually.

Here are some of the basic "rules" to live by according to Ayurvedic achara rasayana:

• Expand your awareness: practice mindfulness

  • Develop and always speak your truth

  • Control your anger under all circumstances ~ investigate the source of your emotional responses

  • Be patient

  • Enjoy sensory pleasures wisely

  • Live in the present

  • Have the world “out there” reflect your reality “in here”

• Synchronize biological rhythms with Nature

  • Avoid irregularity in daily activities: establish a daily routine

  • Regular exercise: fit body - fit mind

  • Listen to your body’s signals

  • Meditate everyday for tranquility of mind

• Experience deep rest: renew & rejuvenate

  • Behave according to the time and place where you are residing

  • Relinquish the need of external approval

  • Quiet the internal dialogue: meditate

• Eat consciously and eat light & pure foods

  • Consume food of sattvic (pure) quality, avoid overly spicy, sour, unwholesome foods, improper food combinations, drugs and alcohol

• Eliminate toxicity: cleanse, purify

  • Shed the burden of judgment

  • Avoid harming others

  • Be straightforward and kind

  • Observe cleanliness in all things

  • As much as possible, do not expose yourself to hardships: of mind, body and spirit

• Cultivate flexibility & creativity

  • Respect Nature’s plan with patience, flexibility and resilience

  • Smile more

  • Trust

• Devote yourself

  • Perform service and action to your higher power, to your teachers, to the elderly, to those in need

  • Try to distribute knowledge, advice, service, actions, words and charity to others

I have committed to being a living example of my beliefs, to work toward uplifting society as a whole, and to living in greater harmony with Nature. This "mental medicine" has helped to heal my body, reduce stress, and has led me on a path full of spiritual practice, greater peace, calm mind and a healthier body. Change your perceptions, change your life.