Introduction (Evolutionary Healing)
In Vedic thought the human being can be considered across 7 levels, which in ascending order are: 1. Food (Physical Body) 2. Vital Energy (Prana) 3. Outer Mind (Emotions) 4. Inner Mind (Intuition, Intelligence) 5. Bliss 6. Pure Consciousness 7. Pure Being. Broadly speaking, levels 1 to 5 can be viewed as 5 coverings comprising body, mind and soul. Levels 6 and 7 are beyond this and connect us more to the eternal nature of the universe. A person is truly healthy only when the first 5 levels are healthy and integrated (which leads to evolution and Self-realisation), and therefore a complete healing considers them all. The 3 disciplines of Ayurveda, Jyotish and Yoga together do address all of these 5 levels as described below.
Ayurveda
Ayurveda primarily focuses on the first 3 levels (Physical to Outer Mind). While working with the first level it uses its well known technique of Panchakarma, which consists of 5 detoxification procedures, plus oil massages and other such treatments. Ayurveda also uses techniques such as herbs, Yoga Asanas, diet and life-style for this level. When going up to the next 2 levels (Vital and Outer Mind) it uses techniques such as Prana and breath control, mantras (sound), and visualisation/concentration (preliminary meditation, e.g. on light and colour). It does work on levels 4 and 5 (Inner Mind and Bliss) too, but here its techniques merge with the higher Yogic practices such as higher forms of meditation (Samadhi). At our centre, while we consider the role of Panchakarma, we concentrate more on healing techniques for all of the first 3 levels. As mentioned before, this is important for complete healing. More on Ayurveda can be found in the ‘Articles’ section of this website.
Jyotish (Vedic Astrology)
The meaning of Jyotish is the science of cosmic light, and it relates closely to the law of Karma, the universal law of cause and effect that works at all levels of mind and body. (For an explanation of this, please read the ‘A Rationale for Vedic Astrology’ article on this website.) This makes Jyotish a very useful tool for general life guidance on all the 5 levels above, including spirituality and healing. (It was practised with Ayurveda traditionally.) In the context of healing it indicates general health potential, including timing of and recovery from possible illnesses. It also provides remedial measures or Karmic harmonisation, and this gives guidance for the individual Dharma (appropriate or natural action). The process of Karmic unfoldment thereby becomes a healing and active learning experience, rather than a passive and unconscious experience, that often involves suffering. Harmonisation with Karma and Dharma are important steps for the higher Yogic practices of levels 4 and 5 (Inner Mind and Bliss). The main healing modes of Jyotish are mantras (sound) and gems (light and colour).
Yoga
The main focus of Yoga is levels 4 and 5 (Inner Mind and Bliss), though the popularity of Yoga Asanas has put its focus on the first level (Physical) in society today. Yoga is the culmination of the healing process, where the first 4 levels are integrated with the higher levels (leading to Self-realisation). For this it uses the support of Ayurveda, Jyotish and techniques such as Asana and Pranayama in addressing the lower levels, but its main tools are various levels of concentration and meditation, culminating in Samadhi. These tools mainly address levels 4 and 5 (inner chakra function), and can be said to be the highest and most powerful, but also the most difficult and rare forms of healing.
