Author Archives: yogarasayana

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About yogarasayana

A yogi/ayurvedic physician who travels the world teaching and learning.

Once Upon A Time …

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“Once upon a time” is a magical phrase conjuring up possibilities that exist as known truths somewhere deep in our collective consciousness. Although usually invoked to add a possibility of reality to a fairy tale, these words can bring a sense of wonder to other myths, both old and new, because, after all, myths are revealing symbols of universal truths that uphold the very fabric (dharma) of our existence. Their actual reality as an “occurred in time, space paradigm” becomes immaterial.

Once upon a time Lakshmana lay grievously wounded on the battlefield, a heartbeat away from death while an enveloping despondency cast a dark shadow over his elder brother, Rama, giving great hope to the forces of darkness. Hanuman would have none of this. He flew to the hut of the royal physician Susena who was busy preparing formulations and was not to be disturbed. Hanuman gently lifted the whole cottage and carried him, undisturbed, to the battlefield. When Susena came out he was surprised to see where he was and although his initial reaction, born of great training, was to assist the dying human, he faltered: “I am physician to Lord Ravana, Laksman and Rama’s mortal enemy. How can I assist the enemy?” In answer, it is said, Hanuman reminded him of the code of ethics of a vaidya (Ayurvedic physician) including the admonishment that to a vaidya there is no enemy, only a patient. Susena immediately saw the clarity of his path, took the secret pulse at the thumb base and realizing the gravity of the situation stated that only the sanjivani herb, growing on the distant Dronagiri, could save this precious life. Hanuman flew to the Himalayas, located the mountain, but in the dark could not tell which of the radiant herbs at the bottom of the Palash tree were sanjivani, which katuka and which kalmegh. He therefore, growing immensely in stature, brought the entire mountain to the battlefield and the great Susena was able to give life back to Lakshmana by squeezing a few drops of sanjivani juice into his mouth!

Once upon a time, the fifth century Chinese monk, Fa Hsien, traveled to Pataliputra in India and this is what he wrote:

The cities and towns of this country are the greatest of all in the Middle Kingdom…All the poor and destitute in the country, orphans, widowers, and childless men, maimed people and cripples, and all who are diseased, go to those houses, (charitable hospices) and are provided with every kind of help, and doctors examine their diseases. They get the food and medicines which their cases require, and are made to feel at ease; and when they are better, they go away of themselves.

According to Vasant Lad, an Ayurvedic physician’s medical ethics prevent him from pointing out the faults of other vaidyas. He/she must treat any client, of whatever class, creed etc. This is what Hanuman pointed out to Susena and this is what Fa Hsien found centuries later as practiced.

Once upon a time, not so long ago, when Banyan Botanicals was being set up, Hart de Fouw told Scott Cote that he must never look upon his competitors as enemies or even rivals. Scott followed this policy closely. He says that he feels the energies of his competitors and Banyan, when looked upon in this manner, may have had a “piggyback” effect on each other to raise the bar to higher degrees of professionalism and integrity. Banyan Botanicals today is one of the most successful Ayurvedic product providers around.

Once upon a time, a few short years ago, when I hosted an Ayurveda Awareness Month at City Yoga, I invited both Banyan Botanicals and Om Organics to bring their products and to participate in the workshops. Kevin from Banyan unfortunately could not come and suggested that Prashanti from Om Organics speak on Banyan’s behalf. I cannot remember which of the two said “we are like brothers” but I think it may have been both. Prashanti did speak quite eloquently about Banyan’s Chyavanprash. It was a memorable workshop of great inspirational value to all who came.

Once upon a time could be now. In an ancient human tradition, it is said that great gifts must be treated as treasures and must be shared not stored nor made secret. Great gifts must in turn foster greater gifts in return. Ayurveda and yoga have come to this great land as the harbingers of a new age in healing that sees no difference between healing cancers, broken bones, mental disorders and spiritually bereft souls losing their direction. This great land, built on an unprecedented idealism of a perfect nation, can mirror this gift by bringing back a sense of unity and friendly cohabitation to these great arts. One where we “piggyback” each other, practitioners, teachers, students, patients to a greater place of wisdom and compassion, the cornerstones of all healing.

Once upon a time, TODAY, we can realize the truths inherent in every fairy tale, every myth and every true story, of the greater potentiality of humanity that exists in the singular power of unity.

Namaste,
Arun Deva
With great gratitude to Dr. Lad.

April-May 2013

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Presently on a month long personal journey of healing and rejuvenation in a very remote part of India. In a little Ayurvedic Shala in the midst of a remote but very sacred village called Hariharapura. In the lush green state of Karnataka where the Western Ghats are resplendent as rain forests. 

They thickly approach the road and the mysteries within them are supposed to include tiger, panther, king cobras (that villagers say grow to 25 ft.) I was told nonchalantly that one of these extremely poisonous denizens of the jungle, a typical 13 footer, lives in the betel tree plantation across the Tunga River by the side of the village; bison, elephants, wild fowl, pheasants, deer, wild boar, and monkeys including the rarely seen Lion Faced Monkey.
The surrounding rural area also boasts a cow that is tiny compared to regular cows and these peaceful and loving bovines give the sweetest, thickest real milk. An ambrosia I intend to partake of as soon as my Dr permits. Visited a little Shiva Temple on the banks of the river, where the large Mahseer fish teem turbulently right up to the banks, looking for food. Earlier I visited Sringeri where Adhi Shankara, the Saint of Vedanta, set up the Southern Math (or Temple/Teaching Complex) devoted to Vedantic studies and it is here in this Temple, that at his bequest, the Goddess Saraswati still resides. As my journey continues, I will take pictures appropriately and share along with stories for any who may wish to sit by the fireside and listen to them.
Jai Hanuman,
Arun

Once back in April, the offerings are as follows:

SATURDAY, APRIL 13TH

Vinyasa Cikitsa Krama:

A Therapeutic Flow with Arun Deva

Vinyasa Yoga is to flow in a logical and sequential manner. Krama is the methodology. The goal is to find comfort in the various postures that our bodies (and minds) can take. In Cikitsa however, we find the benefits of the challenging postures through therapeutic sequencing and modifications to movement. Following any asana practice with Pranayamaincreases the benefits a thousandfold. Meditation then becomes a smooth lake into which to sink. Come experience a complete yoga experience for all levels. This class is suitable for both beginners as well as seasoned yoga practitioners.

DATE: Saturday, April 13th

TIME: 1 – 4PM

COST: $30 EARLY REGISTRATion / $40 at the door

LOCATION: Dancing Shiva
7466 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, Ca 90036

CONTACT & REGISTRATION: studio@dancingshiva.com
or call: 323-934-VEDA(8332)

SUNDAY, APRIL 14TH

 The Sacred Art of Eating Ayurvedically presents: An Italian Interpretation.

With Arun Deva, Jutta Hecht 

Chef JQ & Anjali Deva

Crostini, 3 versions of Pizza, Sage Ravioli, Garden Insalata w/Farmer’s Cheese, La Dolce Vita, Aperitifs, and Fig Tiramisu:  all interpreted Ayurvedically.
We will begin with a lecture on Ayurvedic Principles of Food & Eating and relevance to our current dietary paradigms.
Then we will look at Italian Food through the eyes of Ayurveda.
And then we get in the kitchen and cook up an Italian feast!
Served as a sit down dinner.
Bon Appetit!
Space limited. By Invitation Only. 
In a Private Estate in Vista, CA
12Noon-6PM
Cost: $150 per person.

APRIL 18-21

I will be presenting at the NAMA Conference:

Yogarasayana – Ashtasiddhi Mala:
The Ayurvedic Application of Yogic Principles & Practices for Increasing Rasa.

Rasayana is four-fold:  1) Longevity, 2) Maintenance of health, 3) Improvement of the mental faculties, and 4) Resistance against disease. The ashtanga of yoga can be thought of as an ashtasiddhi mala or necklace of eight magical powers thatbegins with the promise of the above. Recognized by Ayurveda as far back as the Charaka Samhita, wherein we are advised to have confidence in the efficacy of yoga practices, these eight principles when put into practice are very powerful medicine.  In this practice, we will first bypass the mind directly into the experience and then use the mind to understand and digest it.

MAY 3-5

Emotional Intelligence through Yoga & Ayurveda

Facing the 6 Emotional Enemies with the 6 Healing Tastes of Ayurveda

Course Description:

This course primarily uses the tools of Yoga, Ayurveda and Tantra to explore, in a practical manner, our Emotional Intelligence. The keys to our deepest nature, where our vasanas/karmic residual triggers for behavioral patterns reside are found and adjusted best only at this deep level of our being.

  • An understanding of the Vedic sciences of Yoga, Ayurveda & Tantra from the perspective of the three stages of immersion into a journey of self-discovery.
  • An understanding of the Ayurvedic concept of Taste (Rasa) and its energies and effects upon our Emotional Body
  • An understanding of the the Yogic and Ayurvedic concepts of the six enemies of mankind (shata ripu-s) and how they affect and are affected by Rasa.
  • An understanding of the Yogic, Ayurvedic and Tantric views of the workings of the Mind and practical tools on how to raise our Emotional Intelligence to the vibrations of Joy, Innocence and Creativity.

Tuition: $150
Accommodation options for the 2 night stay, per person:
Tent – $100
Dorm (4 person) – $130
Cabin (2 person) – $170
Cabin (1 person) – $280
Deluxe Cabin (2 person) – $480
Deluxe Cabin (1 person) – $390

For More Information Please Visit:
Sivananda Yoga Farm or Find Us on Facebook

The month of May continues in Los Angeles, where Jury Duty calls… :)
Coming up later this year:
Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, IAYT Conference in Boston, Vaidya Yoga Teacher Training (yes it is actually happening end July), Greece Retreat followed by two India Retreats: North and South! I pray to share some of this with you, my friend.
Om Shanti,
Arun