Samkhya philosophy, one of the foundations of Ayurveda, describes the origin of life as a coalescence of pure consciousness and manifest nature. This duel reality organizes itself in a perfect balance of discernment and self-referral. Its qualities give rise to creative intelligence, dynamic expression and the form in which it can mold its proclivity.

Within living beings, this creative fabric is expressed as mind, senses, and body. These three pillars are believed to act as an abode for the ‘soul’ or ‘observer’. Its foundation is the product of the subtlest of intelligence converging with the densest of forms expressed through the five great elements - space, air, fire, water and earth.

It is essential for an Ayurvedic physician to understand the substratum of life despite its inexhaustible potential manifestations. This knowledge provides the most effective ways to identify emerging patterns that bring about equilibrium and harmony to mind, senses and body.

To understand the essence of nature is to understand the foundation of Ayurvedic practice. Through it’s complexity and variations we are able to reverse the disease process and bring about health and wellbeing.

Ayurvedic pharmacology is the fine art of unlocking natures healing intelligence and converting it into nectar.

When illness occurs the physician invariably looks towards Nature for the answers. She’ is essentially the one that heals and restores. When we are able to be still enough and listen carefully to her wisdom, she is able to offer and share her healing potential. 

Mother Nature is Ayurveda’s original physician.

All of life is dependant on adaptive intelligence.

This can be explained in Ayurveda by applying the combination of direct perception to infer, or realise the most beneficial outcome based on appropriate reasoning and right knowledge.

This action of adaptive intelligence is known as yukti.

When yukti is acquired, our lives become intuitive. We may experience this as a flow state that is present and effortless. In biological terms, this is the most innovative technology, the most absolute present expression of billions of years of complex evolutionary advancements in life exploring its possibilities and potential.

Yukti is the preserver of this living phenomenon and maintains our balance in an ever-changing environment.

You will find it at every cellular level in all living beings; continuously responding to the environment and adjusting accordingly to welcome the greatest degree of vital life energy.

This is at the heart of Ayurvedic health care.

"The very objective of this science is the maintenance of the equilibrium of tissue elements" (Caraka Samhitta, Sutra. 1:53)⠀
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Although our future way of life is uncertain, now is a valuable opportunity to reflect and assess how we may want our future to look. How would we like to emerge from the cocoon-like phase of this process many of us find ourselves in?

Ayurveda teaches us that at the very core of everything we do, a certain quality of expression arises. This quality can be calm, balanced, creative, present and receptive to the opportunities available; it can also be chaotic, unstable, fearful and contracted.

This is the place from which our witnessing self, filters through the mind and sense organs into the world.

The quality of our mental filter determines the quality of our experience and what is reflected back to us.

To support the quality of our mind, including the health of our sense organs and body, Ayurvedic daily rituals like tongue scraping, oil-pulling, nasal oil, self-massage, herbs, nutrition, breathing and meditation techniques are used to restore and maintain equilibrium.

Use this time as an opportunity to create inner balance and harmony. Reflect on the kind of life you would like to create for yourself and for those around you.

What positive choices and impact can we make collectively to support our communities and planet as we witness the unprecedented social and environmental changes?

What do we really need in our lives to feel complete and connected? And what can we let go of?

This is an extraordinary opportunity to reshape our entire way of living beginning with self-love through self-care. Enhancing the quality of the mind and body, and connecting with our most inner state of being.

Creating a beautiful outer world begins here, by nourishing and harmonising our inner world...