Category Archives: nutrition

April~May 2013 Events:

Posted on by
Reply

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.  Read More…

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

Upcoming Events: February-April 2013

Posted on by
9

Spring is a time of rejuvenation. To honor this, I am giving myself the luxury of a one-month sabbatical. This sabbatical will be book-ended between the following offerings:

Dharma of Food

Dharma of Food: A seva workshop at Sivananda Vedanta Center, Los Angeles.

In the last 200 years or so we have weakened our ties to the earth. It is the earth that manifests our food. It is indeed time we return our thanks to the elements that it is made of: space, air, fire, water and earth itself. We do this by remembering that food begins with taste, carries energy and eventually turns into the five elements within. In this lecture we will discuss the Ayurvedic and Yogic concepts of ahara: that which nourishes us and pathya: a suitable diet based on individual need. In the end, food must nourish us emotionally, mentally and physically. We must change our language from “nutritional value” to “taste and nourishment value” to once again discover the joy of eating dharmically.

February 9th, 2013
2:00pm-5:00pm
View Map/Get Directions

 February 15-17, 2013
Dallas, Tx:
Krama Yoga Center
View Map/Get Directions

Program Information:

Friday 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Free: Introduction to Ayurveda
RSVP Required

Ayurveda is an ancient holistic medical science from India, considered by many scholars to be the oldest and most complete healing science in the world. A sister science to yoga, it is the healing side of the yogic tree. Its many benefits can be profound and lasting as a result of its brilliant understanding of human nature, its emphasis on individualized treatment, its focus on removing the root cause of illness, and on its unique theories of the doshas (individual constitutions) and gunas (mental attributes).
In this free introductory workshop you will learn the basic principles of Ayurveda with an emphasis on self-healing.

Highly recommended as a primer for the weekend Ayurveda Workshops.
2 hrs: Free but you must RSVP. This will likely sell out.

Saturday 1pm – 4pm
Daily Rituals & Healing Home Remedies

In this hands on workshop we will examine the basic self-care principles of Ayurveda and the immense power of self healing. From practical daily rituals to simple but very effective home remedies. Learn how much importance and value Ayurveda gives to preventative medicine. We will sip medicinal teas, taste the magical Chyavanprash, inhale and anoint mystical oils, learn self massage and other secrets to help keep us healthy, balanced and at peace. Handouts will include a list of common kitchen herbs and how to turn your kitchen into a simple home pharmacopeia!

3 hrs: $40/$50 at the door
RSVP under WORKSHOPS

Sunday 1pm – 4pm
The Sacred Art Of Eating: Secrets of Ayurvedic Nutrition

In Ayurveda, the principles of nutrition are based not only on what we eat but also on when, where and how. In this workshop we will learn about the tastes, the energies and the effects of food and their relationship to our own digestive fire. We will learn how food affects our physical as well as mental and emotional states. We will examine the values of raw as well as cooked foods. Consider what is a yogic diet and when it is appropriate. Ayurveda has made a science out of the art of eating, one that is based on the following formula: When diet is correct, medicine is of no need. When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. We will also learn simple recipes that address our constitutions and health needs. Detailed handouts and recipes included.

3 hrs: $40/$50 at the door
RSVP under WORKSHOPS

 Sign up for entire weekend in advance for $70!

*Please note that it is highly recommended that you take the Free Intro Workshop on Friday or have a working knowledge of Ayurveda to get maximum benefit from these two workshops.

 Yogarasayana is on Sabbatical: February 20th-April 2nd, 2013

Coming up in April:

NAMA Conference 2013: April 18 to 21, 2013

Yogarasayana – Ashtasiddhi Mala:
The Ayurvedic Application of Yogic Principles & Practices for Increasing Rasa. (This is an Active Yoga Practice Session)

Samata International

Posted on by
1

SPECIAL EVENT AT SAMATA INTERNATIONAL:

OPEN TO ALL!

FOOD CHOICES FOR COMMON AILMENTS:
A YOGA & AYURVEDA APPROACH

I was most intrigued when my dear friend, Larry Payne asked me to teach a special class to his Yoga Therapy RX Program students on the above topic. Now we have decided to open it up to all. Space is, however, limited. And pre-Registration by Dec 10th is required.

In addition to the below information, with the help of two amazing Ayurvedic Chef’s Jutta Hecht and Jacquelin Sonderling, we have added a “tasting section” to this workshop. Beyond discussing different recipes for various disorders we now also get to sample a few!

From blended soups and breakfast drinks, to red cabbage sauerkraut and a special hummus, and from chocolate ladoos to the ever perennial kichadi.

Continuing Education Credits

Food Choices For Common Ailments
A Yoga & Ayurveda Approach
Saturday December 15th, 2012
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
$115
7 hours of credit

Register here

Arun Deva, DASc, AYT, E-RYT500 YTRX is a well known yoga therapist and Ayurvedic Practitioner. He serves on both the National & State Ayurvedic Associations: NAMA & CAAM. Arun teaches internationally, lectures at Conferences, writes articles for different publications, has been featured on both radio and television and has an Ayurvedic clinic for consultations and various treatments including Panchakarma in Los Angeles. Born in India, he has made his home in Los Angeles for the past 30+ years. www.yogarasayana.com

Can we address common ailments by our food choices? Yes, says Ayurveda, sister science to yoga, and the ancient medical system that underlies yoga’s healing theories and practices. By recognizing our food intake as the primary factor in creating, maintaining and correcting our health paradigm. What we digest is what goes on to inform the intelligence of our cellular body. Illness arises when there is either a weakness in our digestive system or it is taxed by the wrong diet. Ayurveda says that if we eat the right foods there is no need for medicine and conversely, if we continue to eat the wrong foods, no amount of medicine will help.

In this full day Immersion, we will first learn its basic principles.  Then we will examine its vast understanding of food and diet. And we will answer the above question affirmatively by breaking foods down into tastes, qualities, structure, values and intelligence. All in the language of yoga.
By matching these to the necessary needs of our ailments we may go a long way in addressing not just the symptomology but the root causes themselves.
We will then try and discuss as many specific ailments as we can, such as constipation, diarrhea, headaches, hot flashes, Parkinson’s, heart disease, anxiety, depression, osteoporosis, arthritis, fibromyalgia, diabetes and even back pain!

Comprehensive Handouts will be provided.

Register here

Coming into summer…

Aside

As we come fully into the adana of the sun’s journey in the northern hemisphere, bringing us summer in all its glory, its ruling time, we are reminded how the sun can deplete us as it does the earth and we may look forward to the visarga or cooling nature of the moon later in the year. In the meantime, the joys of lush fruits, swimming pools, yes even ice cream keeps us going…organic and non-agave based, of course, as we plumb the depths of what may be another un-natural sweetener as we discover that low glycemic factor does not overrule exceptionally high fructose levels. Consider that apples have a fructose factor of around 5-10% and agave nothing less than 70% and apples are plenty sweet. As a dear and wonderful healer friend of mine says, why has no one ever used the Agave plant for anything other than tequila till now, when it is overharvested as the best organic sweetener, raw (hah!) and pure (after all the machinery it is put through to cause this transformation…well, I for one do not like how it makes me feel and so I neither use it nor recommend it to any of my clients till the air is cleared up…but oh my, how did I get here from talking about summer! I digress and will leave it in for you to digest:)

A reminder: THIS SEPTEMBER! STILL SPACES FOR THE KERALA RETREAT! TEMPLE TOUR IS NOW SOLD OUT!

ImageContact Arun at (310) 435-4197, for more information.

It has been a busy spring. Among trips to Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Grass Valley and Encinitas was a lot of private reflection time. I have been contemplating both yoga and my yoga. As an Ayurvedic Practitioner I will have a particular view of yoga when it comes to healing. And what this view is now showing me is that yoga is the single most powerful healing tool that Ayurveda can offer. Needless to say, yoga based on the principles of Ayurveda. What I am discovering is that it has never been any other way. They are inseparable. They are Vedic knowledge specialized into sister sciences. For some years now, I have been blessed to share the wisdom of Ayurveda with yogin`s and yoga teacher trainees. Most blessed also to share Ayurveda with the awesome Larry Payne’s Yoga Therapy Rx Program at LMU. I continue to do so.

Image

Ayurveda: The Science Of Self-Healing

On July 20/21, I will once again get to do so at Black Dog Yoga in Sherman Oaks. It is open to the public, please come.

Now I find myself wanting to bring yoga to Ayurvedic Practitioners. This is a formidable undertaking, I believe. But I feel I have some truths I have gathered from my teachers that I wish to share as they “realize” within me. The journey goes on:) On August 4/5 there is the Moksha Festival. On the 4th, I will be presenting on “Combining Yoga & Ayurveda For Better Health”. On the 5th, I will join a panel discussion on Yoga Next: Shaping The Future of Yoga.

On the other hand, both yoga and Ayurveda are shortchanged unless their therapeutic message reaches deeper into us than just the physical body. Or even just the mental body. It must reach into the core of us, where our emotions arise.

What I have discovered is that this Emotional Intelligence can be accessed even through just our yoga practice. I am putting this theory to the test coming up soon at the Sivananda Yoga Center, at Anahata Yoga Studio in Encinitas and at the Zen Den in San Clemente.Image All this summer.

Then I take off with a lovely group for the Yogarasayana India Retreat where we will meet up with other lovely yogin-s from India! There is still space if you wish to join us. The more, the merrier. After that, it is Greece once again. And another Retreat with my friends from Greece. This time on a smallish, spectacular island where we will share all of the above including Ayurvedic cooking and tasting:)

And then this November, for Thanksgiving, Jutta Hecht and I will host another Joshua Tree Retreat. The last one was a huge success. This time, once again starting the day after Thanksgiving, we will explore Ayurveda and Food: Raw, Cooked and Vegan! With yoga and a picnic hike. So, if you would like to share some of this year with me, I would love to share any and all of it with you!

Have a wonderful summer and look forward to seeing you on the yogic path!