ChayaYoga - Ayurveda Defined

Welcome to Ayurveda—A Life of Balance

Ayurveda, is the world’s oldest comprehensive health care system. It is the Science of Life or Wisdom of Daily Living that has been practiced in India for 6000 years. It is considered the “sister science” to Yoga, the mother of all healing arts and practical knowledge of self-healing, and is one of the most recognized and widely practiced disciplines of alternative medicine in the West.

Ayurveda is about living in balance by living in accordance with nature or the natural rhythm of the universe. That doesn’t mean living in a tent, outside, unprotected from the elements, but rather living in harmony with the elements, which are always changing. By observing and understanding change in ourselves and our environment, and recognizing the symptoms of change, we can learn how to live harmoniously with ourselves and our environment and be free from disease.
Ayurveda defines a healthy person as one who is established in self, with balanced doshas (elements), agni(digestive fire), malas(elimination), well formed dhatus(tissues), a shining soul, balanced mind, body and consciousness. It teaches that each individual has the power to heal themselves and the responsibility to do so through understanding their true nature and what is needed for balance. Dr. Lad says, “It explains the anatomy of who and what we are, each of us a special book, and Ayurveda teaches how to read it.”

It’s a simple practice based on ancient and sound principles that have lasted the test of time. The practice of Ayurveda includes appropriate Yoga, Massage, Diet, Cleansing, Daily Routine, Psychology and a profound philosophy that conjoins mind, body and spirit as a framework for holistic health and wellness. In considering the whole person, it integrates the biological aspects of life with social, ethical and spiritual issues of daily living. Ayurveda imparts wisdom on how to live in balance with oneself and with the environment and is a practical knowledge of self-healing that anyone can learn in order to have a mind, soul and senses that are full of bliss. Through its application, we can bring harmony and happiness into our lives and those around us. As we get more balanced, in touch with our true self, life gets easier and we make choices more in line with our true nature, restoring us, offering good health and well being. As we feel more fully alive and connected, we will move through life more gracefully with peace and ease.

[Information on Ayurvedic Consultation]

Chaya has been a student of world-renowned Ayurvedic Physician Vasant Lad, BAMS, MASc, since the spring of 2004, though she has been reading his books since 1994 and even visited his Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque in 1999 and more recently in June, 2008. After almost 10 years of journey, practice and study she is grateful to have had the opportunity to study with such a master and also to be in the presence of such a refined and unique human being.

Dr. Lad is a master on every level and dimension; physical, mental and emotional, spirit or consciousness and is the essence of Ayurveda. He is a vehicle for spirit as he communicates a wealth knowledge, love and respect for the science and wisdom of Yoga and Ayurveda, and for all beings. Chaya strives to maintain this integrity as she shares with her students, clients, family and friends, the truest essence of what she has learned and experienced and hope it will bring you as much joy, insight and inspiration as it has for her.

Dr. Lad has more than 40 years of clinical experience in Indian medicine and as Executive Director of the Ayurvedic Insititute, brings a wealth of classroom and practical experience to the United States.

A native of India, he served for three years as Medical Director of the Ayurveda Hospital in Pune, India. He was Professor of Clinical Medicine at the Pune University College of Ayurvedic Medicine for 15 years. He holds a Bachelor’s of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) degree from the University of Pune and a Master’s of Ayurvedic Science (MASc) degree from Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya. Vasant Lad’s academic and practical training include the study of Allopathy (Western medicine) and surgery as well as traditional Ayurveda.

Beginning in 1979, he has traveled throughout the United States sharing his knowledge of Ayurveda. In 1984 he came to Albuquerque as Director, principal instructor and founder of the Ayurvedic Institute. Vasant Lad is the author of numerous books and respected throughout the world for his knowledge of Ayurveda.

Chaya met Satya Narayan Das a year and a half ago when she studied at The Jiva College of Ayurveda, Faridibad, India near Dheli, with his brother Dr. Pratap Chauhan and visited his ashram in Vrindhavan. His presence and way of sharing the ancient Vedic knowledge made a lasting impression on her and she took home some of his books which transmitted a way of being in the world that offered clarity and insights into spiritual codes of conduct and relating to oneself and environment in order to live ones dharma/ truth, the first limb of Yoga.

She planned her winter tour last year to culminiate with 10 days of studying with him which included teaching on Ayurvedic Psychology and Finding Freedom through the Bhagavad Gita. This program was an exploration of the fist chapter of the Gita, analyzing the root cause of dejection, recasting it as the beginning of Yoga and an integral stage on the spiritual journey. The Gita shows us how to transform ourselves by treating dejection as a form of Yoga. It then becomes a stepping stone to ultimate success by giving us the opportunity to let go of our fears and discover our true identity.

Dr. Satya Narayana Das shared his wisdom, passion and love through story, lecture and chanting. His depth of understanding and devotion to this wisdom and way of life is communicated so clearly as a result of his refined style which is a reflection of his own practice and devotion to this lifestyle and to spirit.

She is grateful to be in the presence of such a master who generously shares with his students. She hopes to be a vehicle for this wisdom and love in a way that is according to her dharma/truth and to be able to share it with those who are also interested in freedom from illusion and suffering and living the life they are meant for.

Dr. Satya Narayan Das, PhD is the founder and Director, Jiva Institute of Vedic Studies and Culture. He holds an M.Tech degree from IIT Delhi and a PhD in Sanskrit (Agra University), as well as eight additional shastric degrees in various subjects. He is the author of 15 books related to Indian culture and philosophy and conducts classes on ancient Indian sciences for scholars from around the world. He initiated a program for preservation, translation and publication of ancient Indian works of science and wisdom. His library houses over 2500 texts dating back to the 13th century. His deep respect for the wisdom of the ancients led him to translate important works from Sanskrit into English and he has produced hundreds of audio and video lectures and is seen on TV in India, offering daily morning talks that focus on spirituality in daily life.
[www.jiva.com]