naya's blog

Authors: Students of San Diego College of Ayurveda

Samkhya to me is the most realistic, understandable and exquisite philosophy of creation and the components of our being. From physical/material existence to the highest level of consciousness Samkyha explains it all.

Our origins and how we came into existence was always a mystery to me. From a young age I was taught that God miraculously created us. Later on I went to find out that we evolved from microscopic organisms. I, like many people out there in the world, still had many questions that couldn’t get answered. After doing a lot of soul searching and reading about metaphysics, quantum physics, yoga, and eventually Vedanta through my yoga studies I discovered Ayurveda and Samkhya. It all clicked instantaneously.

On a different note, learning about the elements of Samkhya to me is equivalent to my learning, as an artist and designer, the principles of creating art. When I was attending private art college years ago I had so much intensive training in the foundations and principles of art. No matter what form of art is created, industrial design, animation, glass blowing, painting it was required to learn these principles.

These elements of art are: movement, pattern, unity, harmony, variety, balance, emphasis, contrast, and proportion. These are the building blocks used to compose any work of art just as the elements of Samkhya are the building blocks that compose the masterpiece of the universe and our body.

Sankhya philosophy is one of the oldest and most influential of the six systems (shad darsanas) of Indian perspectives of knowledge. Sage Kapila was the founder of Sankhya philosophy. The term Sankhya literally means “enumeration”
Sankhya great achievement lay in enumerating the 25 tattvas, or cosmic categories which reflect the different states of consciousness described in Indian mystical literature.

Sankhya teaches us the discrimination knowledge between purusha and prakriti. The real self is purusha the inner witness, the unchangeable , absolute consciousness. The self is not one’s thoughts or feeling or experiences. your thought comes and go,but the inner self remains the same. Purusha is completely distinct from the matter and never interacts with it. Prakriti is a fully real material substance, and not the creation of Brahman's.

Sankhya philosophy divides the universe into 25 distinct yet related principles called tattvas. The purpose of sankhya is also that its followers attain liberation of jiva atma. In my understanding the jiva is not mentioned separately from individual soul.

The 25th element is Brahman. It is the goal of jiva to free itself of these 24 element that they are all maya in this world and recognize the brahman the 25th element as a truth liberation Moksha.

24 elements:

5 Karmendriya, 5gnanedriya, 4 Anthakaran, 5Bhuta, 5tanmantras.

The three gunas are the rope that binds both purusha and prakriti. One can cut this rope with the sword of self-knowledge and devotion.

Samkhya theory founded by Sage Kapila gives an explanation on the origin of universe and life. It offers a model of evolving consciousness from non-material to material. It regards the universe to be consisting of two realities: Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (un-manifested/matter). Both the “Purusha” and “Prakriti” are completely distinct. They alone cannot create anything.

Purusha is uncreated, absolute, pure and passive witness to creation whereas Prakriti is dynamic, creates, impure and which is the first principle of manifestation. It contains 3 gunas-Raja, Tama, Satva. Prakriti is the force that works like automation. All the cause and effect are already latent in it.

When the Purusha and Prakriti comes in contact with each other, the equilibrium of the 3 gunas break which results in manifestation of Mahad (Buddhi) which further manifests into Ahamkara(Ego) which activates the 3 gunas.The action of Rajas on Tamas results in, 5 tanmantras and pancha mahabhutas. These mahabhutas result in the 3 doshas of Vata,Pitta and Kapha.The action of Raja on Satva gives rise to 5 Jnyanindriyas and 5 Karmindriyas.

Student Input:

Juliana Adhikari
Paola Beth
Deepti Vats
Palak Timbatiya

Tomato Chutney for Vata

This recipe is a tomato chutney for Vata Kapha.

However, if Vata is really out of balance, substitute mustard seeds and jalapenos with cumin seeds and warming spices.

Ingredients
Roma Tomatoes
Ginger
Jalepenos
Mustard Seeds
Garam Masala
Sugar

Ayurveda believes that if your plant based diet is local, or, hyperlocal as one of my students call it -- it is full of prana, nourishment.

If it is local and organic -- now, it is not only full of prana, life, - but, also has good karma. Karma attributed to following the cycle of nature, or the plants with pesticides or chemicals.

And, if that wasnt good enough -- if it is local, organic and grown with love and intention of 'healing' --suddenly it is not just food, it is a therapeutic healing plant based food.

Last, but, not the least is cooking with INTENTION to heal, cooking with love. Cooking as a meditation.

I am attaching a photo of an Ayurvedic Meal straight from a garden.

Coriander and Mint Chutney is perfect - very mildly spiced is perfect for a Pitta constitution.

Sweet tomato chutney made out of heirloom tomato variety, is, excellent for Vata constitution.

All vegetable are hyperlocal, organic, and, sauteed in 'ghee'. And, yes, grown with love, cooked with a healing intention.

Ayurveda is not big on raw salad, espeically for Vata. Salads and Leafy Greens are made up of the Space Element. So, are Vata Types. So, Leafy greens are sauteed or steamed slightly to remove the space element.

Hence, the leafy greens are slightly sauteed as well -- along with some basic khichdi.

Cycle of Seasons and Ayurveda

by Shyam (Zachary Bubeck)

Within the entire observable universe, the most common reoccurring shape is the circle. This pervasive shape reflects the cyclical nature of all things. Our galaxy along with others, rotates around a common center. Our solar system rotates around the center of our galaxy. Our planet orbits around the sun , our moon orbits around the earth and our earth orbits around its axes. We can even witness this phenomenon on a microcosmic level where we can observe electrons revolving around the nucleus of atoms.

We can also derive many other cyclical abstractions through our observations such as a trees life-cycle or the food cycle etc etc.

The human being can be considered a system is embedded within a larger system. Within and without these systems there is a constant exchange of energy that moves in cycles. Ayurveda provides us with a model for understanding the direct effect that the greater cycles within this system have on us as humans. Utilizing this information we are given the opportunity to adjust our lifestyles in a way which will correct any imbalances in our microcosm caused by these external influences.

The first cycle to be considered is the earth’s rotation. During this cycle we experience changes in the amount of direct exposure we receive to various forms of light and other subatomic particles. This creates changes to the Doshic quality of the atmosphere around us and directly within us.

Although the times of these phases change through the course of the year depending on your location, the following is a general overview of the Doshic influence of different times of day:

3AM to 6AM Vata
6AM to 10AM Kapha
10AM to 3PM Pita
3PM to 6PM Vata
6PM to 10PM Kapha
10PM to 12AM Pita
12AM to 3AM Kapha

Those of us who seek balance should consider these cycles and the principal of like increasing like when making decisions on how to conduct our day to day activities. A great global example of this is that most people would be served best by having their largest meal of the day at noon when pitta is highest and feeding the Jathara Agni.

Moving out to slower cycles, we should also consider the seasons which are caused by the earths relation to the sun over the course of its annual orbit. The seasons effect on the body should be offset according to the season itself and the individuals constitution. For example, a kapha during the winter may need to eat a heating diet where a pita would be best served to maintain a balanced diet during the winter with only occasional heating foods. During the summer the pita person may need a mostly cooling diet where the kapha may be able to eat more heating foods.

In addition to the considerations of the current season we must consider the effect of seasons as they change and what they leave behind. During the winter for example, there is frequently buildup of Kapha. Pita can buildup during the winter as well because of the increased storage of internal heat as a response to the external coldness. Considering this potential buildup, the need for spring cleaning takes on new meaning as this is a great time for panchakarma or other cleansing protocols to be implemented. Seasons are different in different places, but generally the following Dosha’s are associated with the following seasons:

Summer Pita
Fall Vata
Early Winter Vata
Late Winter Kapha/Vata
Spring Kapha

In addition to these two important cycles, Ayurveda will also take into consideration more subtle influences such as the moon and other celestial bodies. The tides are managed by the moon and our bodies are made mostly of water. It then stands to reason that our bodies will be effected by the moon as well. It is a verifiable fact that more child labors start on full moons than any other day. Ayurveda also teaches us that other celestial bodies have a direct influence on our being as well.

Our environment does not only include the weather. Where we live, the people we are around, the cleanliness of our home and the wind that brought in the very air we breath will all play a role in influencing our constitution at any time. These facts all serve as wonderful reminder of the need for holistic thinking when approaching health from an Ayurvedic perspective.

To reuse this article, please inform info@ayurveda-california.org, and, give credit to the college as well as the author Zachary Bubeck, along with the hyperlink:

http://ayurvedayogatraining.com/blog/2011/10/cycle-of-seasons-and-ayurveda/

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaye

Thank you for your interest in online Ayurveda courses offered by San Diego College of Ayurveda. (SDCOA).

SDCOA is an online, virtual college providing affordable, online, distant learning and blended learning style courses in Ayurveda. Our prices are very affordable - starting from $6 per credit hour. We keep the costs low by using open source technologies, and, keeping the classes 'virtual'.

We keep the costs affordable, by, using open source technologies and providing the cost benefit to the student. Training is experiential and case based. Our courses are recognized by National Ayurvedic Medical Association:

Read More

Most of the course is done virtually, through webinars and virtual classroom.

Watch the Video

Our course format follows a 'Block 1, and 2 Module'. Block 1 is $600* when paid in advance. Block 2 is $5 per credit Hour. (Please see the attached course catalog for prices and detailed information)

Block 1 Foundation in Ayurveda is the pre requisite to advanced courses in Block 2 and Block 3. Our block 1 course classes for the our sixth batch (6A) begin from May 29th, and, then from August 7th 2011.

Here is a class calender:

View the Class Calender

After the successful completion of, the student can choose Block 2 Ayurveda Health Educator (450 Hrs), or, Ayurveda Wellness Practitioner (500 HRS), or, any advanced course. The Block 1 - 100 hours are 'included' and applied towards any advanced program. Block 2 Advanced programs can take 3 -7 months to complete depending on the program.

Block 1 takes 10- 12 Weeks. Block 2 Ayurveda Wellness Practitioner AWP 500 can 6-7 months depending on the student research and assignments. We finish our classes, however, students may submit their case studies and research later.

Our next Block 1 course starts from May 29th. (The course ends July 2011)

http://sandiegocollegeofayurveda.com/program_intro

This is our online virtual campus:

http://sandiegocollegeofayurveda.com/courses/

If you miss a class, you can watch a recording, and, contact the facilitator with queries - and that counts as a make up class. However, some courses have a minimum class attendance requirement.

In order to move forward with enrollment, please fill the last two pages (Application Form) of the attached course catalog and email it to us, or you can mail it as well to our address. This is for the new classes starting May. Our next batch would be in August.

For any queries, regarding the course, please give us a call or write to us.

Namaste and Have a Blessed Day!

Pandit Atul Krishna Das
Sanskrit Dept.
San Diego College of Ayurveda
760-705-4291

Virtual Learning in Ayurveda

Virtual learning is a 'new' term. Certainly, no Ayurveda college is offering Virtual Learning yet! Some are offering distant learning, and, others - where you attend classes once a month. SDCOA is offering Ayurveda course from $6 per Credit Hour for selected courses. It is affordable, flexible and experiential.

Normally, when we think of online or distant learning course - we imagine receiving a learning packet, or a book. Perhaps some audio video resources.

A virtual classroom, whereby, students are sitting at their homes in front of a computer, or even logged in through a mobile device --and watching their instructor talk to them, write on a 'virtual' whiteboard, share presentations, interact, --is exactly like in a real classroom.

Except the instructor is sitting at his or her desk. Everything is conducted virtually.

San Diego College of Ayurveda offers online and Virtual Learning Environment. (Also known as VLE!).

Please remember, virtual learning is very flexible, cheaper and more affordable. Yet, it is not for everyone.

If you find navigating your computer a problem, or, are not tech savvy, it may be daunting at first.

It also depends on your learning style. Some people are Hands on learners, and, need to be in an actual classroom setting to understand a concept. Others may learn by audio or visual training aids. Our college offers the best choice to audio and visual learners, who are comfortable navigating an online learning environment - email, chat, website and online conferencing. Which is why the cost is very low. Our course prices start from $3.50 per credit hour in some online courses, and, $9 onwards for foundation courses .

According to wikipedia, "VLE will normally work and provide a collection of tools such as those for assessment (particularly of types that can be marked automatically, such as multiple choice), communication, uploading of content, return of students' work, peer assessment, administration of student groups, collecting and organizing student grades, questionnaires, tracking tools, etc. New features in these systems include wikis, blogs and 3D virtual learning spaces. This kind of Blended learning model is often used in schools and other educational establishments in order to make the learning experience more interactive."

Virtual learning in Ayurveda is practically unheard of. So, San Diego College of Ayurveda is actually a pioneer in offering an ancient knowledge with cutting edge technology.

Virtual learning is also now called blended learning. We run our courses on servers, share multimedia and web page resources. However, if you are not computer savvy, you may be confused.

A good Internet connexion is also required.

Our college offers a Blended learning environment from WEBEX. It is similar to a face-to-face classroom environment in that it allows direct communication with the teacher. Students can use emoticons to “raise their hand,” show that they are confused, show that they understand what the teacher is saying, and even give applause for something that the teacher says. Students are also able to talk to the teacher when called on. In many of these virtual learning environments the students are able to write on the “virtual classroom chalkboard.” This allows them to show their work for the rest of the class to see. Students can also be split up into groups in order to work with each other and discuss topics that the teacher introduces. Many virtual learning environments give teachers the ability to share multimedia files such as video and audio files as well as the ability to transfer important documents (Word, PDF,…etc.) directly to students.

In 'Virtually There', a book and DVD pack distributed freely to schools by the Yorkshire and Humber Grid for Learning Foundation (YHGfL), Professor Stephen Heppell writes in the foreword:

"Learning is breaking out of the narrow boxes that it was trapped in during the 20th century; teachers' professionalism, reflection and ingenuity are leading learning to places that genuinely excite this new generation of connected young school students — and their teachers too. VLEs are helping to make sure that their learning is not confined to a particular building, or restricted to any single location or moment."^[1]