Here is a moving story which I came across, if anyone knows the author of this story, please email me so that proper credit may be given.

BUTTERFLY LESSON

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared on a cocoon, the man sat and watched for the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no further. So the man decided to help the butterfly, he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time. Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly. What the man, in his kindness and haste, did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening was God’s way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon. Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If God allowed us to go through our life without any obstacles, it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. We could never fly.

I asked for Strength. . . . And God gave me Difficulties to make me strong.

I asked for Wisdom. . . . . And God gave me Problems to solve.

I asked for Prosperity. . . And God gave me Brain and Brawn to work.

I asked for Courage. . . . .And God gave me Danger to overcome.

I asked for Love. . . . . . And God gave me Troubled people to help.

I asked for Favors. . . . . And God gave me Opportunities.

I received nothing I wanted. . . . And I received everything I needed.

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The Three Gunas

The lens through which we observe reality is shaded by the process of identification. This is how we separate singular manifestation into a plural reality. The function of the mind responsible for this is called ahamkar or ego. During this process, ego expresses itself and it’s vision of reality through 3 universal qualities:

SATTVA is purity, clarity, truth, light, white. It is the quality of love, it is the essence of wanting to grow spiritually. It is part of the energy that inspires us to honesty, truth, love, and brotherhood. Sattva is a neutral, that is balancing, force which holds the other two forces in equilibrium.

RAJAS is action, dynamic movement, feelings and sensations. It is the force which stimulates change, tipping the balance either way. Because it lacks stability it gives rise to the opposites of fear and desire, repulsion and attraction, love and hate, and all emotional fluctuations. It governs the movement of both the sensory and motor organs.

TAMAS is inertia, darkness, sloth, heaviness, ignorance. It is passive and obstructing. It sustains what is or has been, causing resistance to movement or change. This causes stagnation and clinging to the past. Tamas also gives rise to the five elements.

All three gunas are forever intertwined within all creation. Within each aspect of reality dances these 3 qualities which swirl about endlessly, effecting one another and forming reality. In their interplay, one or the other comes to the fore and that guna predominates the nature of the aspect. The gunas tend to stabilize for a while once one asserts itself, but eventually the balance is disturbed and the gunas twist until another one takes hold. To what degree each guna predominates is the nature of that subject. How long this takes is a function of the object within the reality of the subjective ego. Always, however, the gunas will dance.
The base guna is tamas, which binds us to the world. In order to break this bondage, we must energize ourselves one step up, to rajas. This is engaging in the activities which will bring us happiness, spiritually enhance us, bring us closer to the next level, sattva. Sattva will fill us with desire to transcend this world, destroy the chain of tamas. But because the gunas are forever intertwined, we cannot leave one behind and not the others. Once they are all destroyed, the ego sees all as one, and self-realization is achieved.
The gunas are relational labels, categories to allow the ego to identify itself and creation. Ultimately, understanding their relationship is key to balancing health and spiritual life. However, these too must be transcended in order for the mind to clear itself of identifications with anything, save the absolute or Brahman.
May you transcend the gunas in this lifetime!

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Living An Ayurvedic Lifestyle

An integral concept in yoga is the balance of one’s whole being. To this end, yoga incorporates disciplines for mind, body, and spirit. Ayurveda is a yogic science that seeks balance in the body, leading to more subtle balances in the other forms. In the hectic modern world, there is seldom time or desire to live a life fully in accordance with Ayurvedic principles, but there are a few easy things one can incorporate whose benefits will far outweigh the effort involved. In order of a typical daytime schedule, they are presented here.

1) Waking up – Don’t hop out of bed quickly. Take a moment to lay quietly, allowing your mind to acclimate to the waking state. Say a prayer of thanks or just remember a feeling of appreciation for the day ahead, for it is a divine gift.

2) Hygiene – With cool water, wash your face, mouth, and hands. This will help wake you up and you will become more alert. Drink a glass of room temperature water. This will pass through your system quickly and clean out your gastrointestinal tract and kidneys. It will also stimulate your organs of elimination. Next clean your teeth and tongue. You may use a toothbrush and toothpaste for your teeth, making sure you clean thoroughly, and then floss to complete the cleaning. Use a scrapper or a spoon to gently but firmly scrape your tongue. This will ensure that bacteria is removed from the mouth and not swallowed. You may gargle with either mouthwash, or, preferably, sesame oil, to strengthen your teeth and gums. Using a mix of warm water and sea salt, clean out your nasal passages with a nose dropper or a neti pot, which is specially made for this. Tilt your head to one side and allow the water mix to drip from one nostril to the other as you pour. Stand over a sink or basin to catch the runoff. When finished, use an eyedropper and place a drop of sesame oil in each nostril. A full body sesame oil self-massage in the shower will bring great benefits to your skin and help you feel energetic throughout the day. Several days of this will bring about a noticeable change in your daily energy. Do this in the shower (be careful!) so that you can take a cool shower right away and start your day feeling clean, refreshed, and charged up!

3) Meditation – Enough cannot be said of a daily practice of meditation. It will vastly improve all aspects of your life, help you think clearly, age more gracefully, cope with more peace and strength, and bring you closer to your goals. Try to incorporate at least 10 minutes a day. It is the most important thing you can do for yourself, and my strongest and best advice.

4) Food – Remember to eat when hungry. Eat lightly. Eat fresh foods and more vegetables. Drink cool water if hot, or room temperature water otherwise. Drink tea when cold, and avoid caffeine, as it damages many bodily organs and systems.

5) Exercise – Walk as much as possible, even if only a few feet extra a day. Do some simple exercises every day and have a moderate session three times a week. This will vastly improve overall health.

6) Retiring – Before sleep, sit quietly and allow the mind to wander. It may replay the past day’s events or plan the next day, or both. You may review what you have learned, or failed to learn. Also, you may look for the lessons the day presented. Gradually relax your breathing, which will slow the mind and loosen the body. After an appropriate time, 10 minutes being a guideline, say a prayer of thanks for your day or keep a reverential attitude. Remember your day was a gift. When you feel sufficiently free of the day’s concerns, in a place of peace, retire to bed and sleep
Follow these guidelines as much as you can or want. They will help you center your life and balance your spirit. Good luck and God bless!

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Selfless Service and the Yoga of Action   (Karma Yoga)

Karma is neither evil or good. It is a universal law which helps balance life. If you feel that your life is going nowhere, or that bad things are happening, it may be due to events in your past that are catching up with you.

One of the main branches of Yoga is known as Karma Yoga. This, simply put, is the Yoga of Action. Like other forms of Yoga, Karma Yoga is meditative, self improving and requires a level of self discipline. Karma Yoga is a great method for learning how to control the ego, which can itself be a roadblock in the spiritual path.

Karma Yoga can be practiced today, many organizations are in need of volunteers to help a few hours a week or so. If your looking for a religious experience you may try local churches, synagogues and other places of worship. If you want something that isn’t faith based, you can always turn to Libraries, Police Athletic Leagues, or other civic organizations. These groups are always looking for people and the experience can be worth it. If you don’t want to be part of an organization, small acts can also bring great reward.

To practice Karma Yoga, one must let go of the idea of reward, and make the work itself the reward. A need to let go of the excuses we create in order not to help, “I am too busy.”, ” The government should…”,”I…(whatever).” The ego can be very powerful in convincing a person why they should not help. One needs to approach Karma Yoga with the heart and not the intellect. By regular practice, the heart will become purified and the intellect and mind will be tamed. One must also keep in mind that the only difference between a rich person and a poor one is circumstance. Our bodies may appear different, but spiritually, we are all one.

Libraries are always in need of volunteers and so are many civic organizations. Many of these groups work on a voluntary basis and survive only by the tireless commitment of individuals who can look past the ego and see unity in all.

Many churches and religious institutions operate soup kitchens and other services, which help people through action. While donating money serves a purpose, actually going out and putting your body and mind to work will serve and even greater purpose and the rewards are infinite.

The science of Yoga is a science of balance and discipline. The best approach to any Yoga practice is one that includes some selfless service. Perhaps your own individual situation prohibits you from actively being involved in an organization, that is fine, for there are even small acts, which performed consistently that will bring purity to the mind and soul. Giving up your seat for someone in the morning rush, helping a handicapped person, assisting someone with a baby carriage, giving food or water rather than money to a panhandler, picking up that soda can off the street,  there are many acts of Karma Yoga which can be practiced anytime, it is important to ask when assisting people, since Karma Yoga should never be mandatory or forced. If a particular form of Karma Yoga displeases you, you should pursue it, it shall make you stronger and can be a rewarding experience.

One should not wait for the government or others to perform selfless acts, one must do it on their own initiative. While public and private monies can be an asset, what is generally needed is people like you.

Our world is but a reflection of ourselves, if we act selfishly, the world will seem selfish and evil, if however, we act selflessly, without expectations, the world can become a beautiful place.

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Sun Salutation

The Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar) is the perfect warm up exercise to any yoga practice. The combination of several flowing movements with breathing exercise, the Sun Salutation will increase energy, strengthened the heart, balance and focus the mind and increase flexibility.  To increase the benefits of Sun Salutation, try this exercise facing the Sun. The entire series consists of two parts which have 12 steps each.  It is important that once you begin a series you complete it.  Doing 12 steps on the right side of the body and then 12 steps on the left side of the body

Before you begin the exercise, you should prepare yourself.  Stand up on your feet with your arms hanging alongside your body.  Make sure your back is straight, shoulders relaxed, feet together with toes aligned and heels aligned.  Make sure your chin is parallel to the floor.  And then begin to focus on your breath.  As you inhale allow your abdomen to fill with air, then gently bring the air into the chest and then your upper chest.  Exhale in a opposite motion with your upper chest first then your abdomen last.  Make sure all your breathing is done through your nose, and try to keep the mouth close.

Step One.

When you feel relaxed and balanced, take a deep breath in and then exhale, bring your hands together in a prayer position, pushing the hands together gently and gently lowering the hands towards the waist.

Step Two.

Now inhale deeply and stretch your arms over your head aligned with your ears.  Gently push out your waist and arch slightly back.

Step Three

Exhale bending forward with the waist.  Bring your hands alongside your feet, with your palms flat on the floor and your fingers aligned with your toes.  Bend your knees if necessary.

Step Four

Inhale and stretch your right leg back and look up. Take notice of the left knee and make sure that it is at a 90º angle from the floor and aligned with the heel of the left foot.

Step Five

Stretch the left leg back and assume a push-up position and look about a foot n front of you. Take notice of the buttocks and check to make sure that they are not sagging or popped up and that your body is aligned perfectly.

Step Six

Exhaling, drop you knees to the floor, then your chest between your hands and then our forehead on the floor. You should resemble an inch worm on the floor.

Step Seven

Inhaling, push forward through your chest and arch back with your abdomen pressed on the floor and your face looking up.

Step Eight

Exhale and push on your hands and move back into a V (downward dog) position.

Step Nine

Inhale and bring your right leg forward once again between your hands and align your toes with your fingers. If your leg doesn’t come forward all the way between your hands, grab the foot and bring it forward.

Step Ten

Exhale and bring the other foot forward, aligned with the hands.

Step Eleven

Inhale and reach out with the hands first and bring yourself up and arch back leading with your waist and hands.

Step Twelve

Exhale and straighten up back to position one.

After your complete the right side, repeat on the left, following the same exact instructions, except that now you will do them in the opposite. Right becomes left and left becomes right.

It is important that the hands remain on the floor in the same position through steps 3-10.

Start this exercise gently, there is no need to compete with yourself during Sun Salutation, Always respect your own limits. A good warm up for the day is generally 4-6 complete series (right and left). Always follow the breathing sequence as well…over time this exercise will become easy and you will notice the benefits quickly. For an extra boost always do this exercise facing the Sun.

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Tratak (Fixed gaze)

Tratak, or fixed gaze is an excellent exercise for helping to relieve eye strain. Anyone who works in front of a computer terminal, knows all to well the discomfort the glare of the computer screen can bring to the eyes. Performing this simple exercise daily will bring relief to your eyes.

Step One: Get a candle, light it and place it on a coffee table or stand.

Step Two: Sit comfortably in lotus position (legs crossed) and place your hands either palm flat on the knees or in chin mudra (Thumb and index finger touching and remaining three fingers extended, like an ‘ok’ symbol).

Step Three: Begin a deep rhythmic breath, inhaling through the nose, filling the abdomen, then chest and upper chest. Exhaling, through the nose, emptying the upper chest, chest then abdomen. Make your exhalations deeper than your inhalations.

Step Four: Look at the candle (It should be about eye level). Focus your eyes to the point of the flame just above the wick.

Step Five: While gazing at the candle and making your your breath rhythmic, gently repeat the mantra Om (pronounced aaahh-oooooo-mmmm). Inhale Om, then exhale Om.

Step Six: Keep looking at the candle until your eyes begin to water. At this point, close your eyes. You should see an image of the flame. Bring this image to the point between the eyebrows. Keep marinating the deep rhythmic breath and repeating Om. When the image of the flame disappears, repeat step five.

Five minutes a day for this exercise is fine to alleviate eye strain. It is also a great exercise to still the mind for meditation.

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Note: I wrote this paper for my school. You can access the original at http://ayurvedacollege.com/documents/TriphalaRevised.pdf

Triphala: Ayurvedic formula for the Modern World.

By: Rodrigo M. Pocius

1. Introduction to Triphala

What is Triphala? Simply put, Triphala is an herbal formula used in the ancient Science of Ayurveda. The word ‘Triphala’ is translated as ‘three fruits.’ These fruits, also known as ‘myrobalan plums’ are Amalaki, Bibhitaki and Haritaki. ¹

There is a folk saying in India which says, “No Mother? Do not worry so long as you have Triphala”. This is allusion to the belief that Triphala cares for internal organs, much in the same way a mother takes care of her children², and among laxative herbs, Triphala is the ’safest and most strengthening’1

For people who have trouble with bowel movements, Triphala may be the best remedy.³ Triphala regulates the bowels safely. Triphala can be taken daily, without any fear of dependence. It is considered to be non-habit forming and safe, much like taking food. ⁴ Triphala doesn’t have some of the same negative side effects that are found with other purgatives. Triphala is a mild acting internal cleanser, and although not considered to be a purgative formula by itself, Triphala does have a cleansing effect on the digestive system and blood,³Triphala can be used in Virechana (purgation therapy) , although higher doses should be used for sufficient strength.⁵

Beyond digestive benefits, Triphala has other benefits as well. Triphala strengthens the eyes.⁶ Triphala that has been added to hot water, steeped, cooled and strained can be used as an eye-wash⁴ Triphala is useful in conditions with Ama, and will help prevent the build up of Ama when taken with diet.Research has found that Triphala is a potent anti-oxidant⁷, anti-microbial⁸ and among other benefits, shows promise in the fight against cancer.⁹ Daily use of Triphala promotes the absorption of nutrients, like B vitamins, in addition, Triphala taken regularly will promote normal digestion, aid in the removal of fat and increase red blood cells.⁴

Triphala is a tridoshic formula, and can be used to bring balance to all constitutions.¹⁰ Triphala does have an unpleasant taste, which is tough to mask.¹Triphala has all tastes except salty. It is astringent, pungent, sweet, bitter and sour¹⁰

Triphala may very well be a panacea for many conditions we face today. The power behind triphala’s many benefits comes from the individual herbs that make up the formula. Each of these herbs also have their own uses. The pulp

of Amalaki fruit is a main component in the rejuvenatory formula Chyavanprash.¹¹ Haritaki, due to it’s purifying and strengthening properties, is held in very high regard. Haritaki is the most laxative herb in triphala, with the ability to treat

more difficult cases of constipation.¹²

Let’s take a look at this amazing formula and some of the benefits and effects associated. Triphala is a natural remedy which can offer a simple solution to some of the more difficult health problems we face today.

II. Constituents

1.)Amalaki

Amalaki is known by the botanical name Embelica officinalis and also Phyllanthus officinalis¹³. Amalaki is also known in Sanskrit as Dhatri (The nurse), which is a reference to it’s incredible healing properties. Amalaki can be taken individually in powder form, a docoction or as a confection. Amalaki is a beneficial herb, however precautions should be taken with patients displaying symptoms of dysentery or acute diarrhea.¹⁴

Amalaki fruit are known to be one of the best rasayanas in Ayurveda, with anti-oxidant and anti-aging properties.

It has been thought that Amalaki’s anti-oxidant properties were a result of a high content of Vitamin C, however, clinical experiments have suggested that the fruit are actually devoid of Vitamin C, and that the anti-oxidant effect, “…has been

postulated to arise from the tannins emblicanin A and B, punigluconin, and pedunculagin….”¹⁷

A) Botanical Description

“Embelica officinalis is a graceful ornamental tree, normally reaching a height of 18 m and, in rare instances, 30 m. Its fairly smooth bark is a pale greyish-brown and peels off in thin flakes like that of the guava. While actually deciduous, shedding its branchlets as well as its leaves, it is seldom entirely bare and is therefore often cited as an evergreen. The miniature, oblong leaves, only 3 mm wide and 1.25-2 cm long, distichously disposed on very slender branchlets, give a misleading impression of finely pinnate foliage. Small, inconspicuous, greenish-yellow flowers are borne in compact clusters in the axils of the lower leaves. Usually, male flowers occur at the lower end of a growing branchlet, with the female flowers above them, but occasional trees are dioecious. The nearly stemless fruit is round or oblate, indented at the base, and smooth, though 6 to 8 pale lines, sometimes faintly evident as ridges, extending from the base to the apex, giving it the appearance of being divided into segments or lobes. Light green at first, the fruit becomes whitish or a dull, greenish-yellow, or, more rarely, brick red as it matures. It is hard and unyielding to the touch. The skin is thin, translucent and adherent to the very crisp, juicy, concolorous flesh. Tightly embedded in the center of the flesh is a slightly hexagonal stone containing 6 small seeds. Fruits collected in South Florida vary in the range 2.5-3.2 cm in diameter but choice types in India approach 5 cm in width. Ripe fruits are astringent, extremely acid, and some are distinctly bitter….” ¹⁸

B) Ayurvedic Description

The Caraka Samhita describes Amalaki as having the same attributes as Haritaki, that is, it contains the same tastes as Haritaki with the exception of potency, Amalaki being cold while Haritaki is hot.¹⁹ Amalaki reduces both Pitta and

Vata, however taken in excess, it will increase Kapha. Amalaki increases Ojas and is good for all tissue elements.

According to the Ayurveda Encyclopedia, amalaki works on all tissues, and the “Circulatory, digestive and

excretory” systems; it further lists the actions of amalaki as “Aphrodisiac, astringent, hemostatic, laxative, nutritive tonic, refrigerant, rejuvenative (for Pitta), stomachic”.²⁰

Amalaki is good for all Pitta diseases and diseases where there is inflammation. Amalaki is a blood sugar regulator and a heart tonic. Amalaki rebuilds the blood, increasing red blood cell count. Amalaki is used for blood diseases such as anemia and diabetes. In the digestive system, amalaki cleanses the intestines, and stops inflammation of the colon and stomach. Amalaki is also used for urinary conditions, such as painful urination and conditions which tend to be difficult to alleviate.²¹

2.Bibhitaki

Bibhitaki is a strong laxative herb known by the botanical name Terminalia bellirica. Bibhitaki’s energetics is astringent, and it is also sweet and heating in nature. It is a tonic to Kapha and is said to improve conditions of impaired voice.²²

A)Botanical Description

“A large deciduous tree, up to 50 m tall, with a straight clean bole up to 20 m long, with a diameter at breast height of up to 2(-3) m, buttressed when large; bark blueish or ash grey, with numerous fine longitudinal cracks, yellowish inside; young branches thick, initially densely pubescent. Leaves spirally arranged or crowded at the ends of the branchlets, thin-coriaceous, broadly elliptic or obovate-elliptic, 4-20 cm x 2-11 cm, rounded to cuneate at base, rounded or obtuse, more rarely acuminate at apex, entire; petiole 2-5(-9) cm long. Flowers in axillary 3-15 cm long spikes, 6-7 mm across, yellowish, with a distinct disk and 5 recurved, deltoid calyx-lobes; corolla absent; stamens 10, exserted; ovary inferior, unilocular, 2-ovuled. Fruit a subglobose to broadly ellipsoid drupe, 2-3.5 cm long, 5-angular, minutely stipitate at base, densely and very finely pubescent; exocarp hard, endocarp sclerenchymatous. ”²³

B) Ayurvedic Description

Bibhitaki is a rejuvenative herb and beneficial as a tonic to Kapha. It is a strong laxative herb, and being astringent, will cleanse and tonify the bowels. Bibhitaki, although heating in nature will not vitiate Pitta. It is effective against stones and kapha accumulations. When taken in excess, Bibhitaki will aggravate Vata, and caution should be taken with those showing symptoms of high Vata.²²

According to the Ayurveda Encyclopedia, Bihitaki is an herb that works on the “Plasma, muscle, bone” tissues and the “Digestive, excretory, nervous, respiratory”systems. Further, the actions of Bibhitaki are “Anthelmintic, antiseptic, astringent, expectorant, laxative, lithotriptic, rejuvenative, tonic”²⁴

Bibhitaki is used for the removal of Kapha accumulations in the urinary tract, such as stones. It is good for conditions of chronic diarrhea and dysentery and increases appetite. It is also effective for colds and cough, and taken with honey is good for sore throats.²⁴

3.)Haritaki

Haritaki is known by the botanical name Terminalia chebula. Although Haritaki has an astringent, unpleasant taste, it is considered on of the most important Ayurvedic herbs. ²⁵

A)Botanical Description

“A medium-sized, up to 25 m tall, deciduous tree of variable appearance, with a usually short cylindric bole of 5-10 m length, 60-80 cm in diameter at breast height; crown rounded, with spreading branches; bark dark brown, usually longitudinally cracked with woody scales; branchlets rusty-villous or glabrescent. Leaves alternate or opposite, thin-coriaceous, ovate or elliptic-obovate, 7-12 cm x 4-6.5 cm, rounded at base, obtuse to subacute at apex, entire, pubescent beneath; petiole up to 2 cm long, provided with 2 glands at the base of the leaf blade. Flowers in axillary 5-7 cm long spikes, simple or sometime branched, about 4 mm across, yellowish-white and unpleasantly scented; calyx 5-lobed, corolla absent; stamens 10, exserted; ovary inferior, 1-celled. Fruit an obovoid or oblong-ellipsoid drupe, 2.5-5 cm long, faintly 5-angular, yellow to orange-brown when ripe, glabrous.” ²⁶

B)Ayurvedic Description

The Caraka-Samhita describes Haritaki as having all the tastes except saline. It further states that haritaki will “eliminate the doshas”, stimulating digestion and promoting longevity.²⁷ Haritaki’s actions are “rejuvenative, tonic, astringent, laxative, nervine, expectorant, anthelmintic” Care should be taken when using Haritaki with pregnant women and those exhibiting high Pitta. Haritaki is also good for all tissue elements.²⁵

Haritaki is a good digestive herb, regulating the function of the colon. Haritaki improves absorption, and has a dual property, based on dosage, of correcting diarrhea and constipation. ²⁵

III Triphala: General uses and other benefits

The herbs of Triphala make it a powerful formula. It is the combination of these herbs that make it works so well and can present a solution to current health concerns and more. Lets look at some of these effects of Triphala and how Triphala has potential against other illnesses as well.

1) Digestion

Maintaining a healthy digestive system is key to overall health. As previously mentioned, the three herbs that make up Triphala have laxative actions. Triphala is not habit forming and is not known to have any side effects from long term use. People suffering from constipation will benefit from regular use of Triphala.²⁸ Triphala is used to treat constipation

in any of the three doshas.²⁹ Triphala works by stimulating the mucosa of the gastric-intestinal tract, improving and balancing digestion. Triphala further aids in digestion by eliminating toxins from the intestinal tract. ²⁸

Triphala is a metabolic regulator. For those suffering from underweight conditions, Triphala will build up the nervous system, muscles and blood. For those who suffer from obesity, Triphala will reduce fat,²⁹making it a good part of a weight reduction program.

Colon health is important. Triphala works well as a colon cleanser, and is a rasayana for the colon. Triphala regulates the functions of the colon. Proper regulation of the colon is a key to good health and longevity. The colon serves

two functions. First it functions as an organ of elimination. It also is the organ responsible for taking in prana from what we eat. Proper regulation of the colon ensures the proper absorption of prana from food. ³⁰

A study titled “Evaluation of anti-diarrhoeal property and acute toxicity of Triphala Mashi, an Ayurvedic formulation”, evaluated alcoholic and water extracts of Triphala and Triphala Mashi against castor-oil induced diarrhea.³¹ “Triphala Mashi is prepared by using muffle furnace and silica crucible”³² The results of the study showed a significant increase in time for defecation, the weight of all the fecal material and the time for transit through the intestine.³¹

2.) Gouty Arthritis

Of all types of Arthritis, ‘Gouty Arthritis’ comprises about five percent of cases. It is a painful condition which is characterized by deposits of uric acid on the joints.³³A study titled “An in vivo and in vitro potential of Indian ayurvedic herbal formulation Triphala on experimental gouty arthritis in mice” evaluated the efficacy of Triphala on inflammation caused by urate crystals in a study conducted on mice. The study compared Triphala to Indomethacin, an anti-inflammatory . The effect was determined by measuring changers in anti-oxidant status, and factors like lysomal enzme activities and lipid peroxidation. Compared with the control group, the study came to a conclusion that a clear anti-inflammatory effect was exhibited by the mice orally administered Triphala against Gouty Arthritis. ³⁴

According to Ayurvedic theory, the state of the colon is important when determining the state of the bones. The absorption of Vata by the colon goes to the bones and cause Arthritis. Triphala, being good for the colon, would be appropriate in the treatment of Arthritis.³⁵

3) Healing compound for wounds

The Chikitsita Sthanam of the Susruta Samhita recommends Triphala among medicines that are good for purifying a wound.³⁶ There is modern research which supports this. A study titled “Triphala promotes healing of infected full-thickness dermal wound”, undertook an evaluation of Triphala’s effect on infected wounds. The study looked at two different effects of Triphala. First, a alcoholic extract of Triphala was shown to be effective against wound pathogens like

Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Second, an ointment made from Triphala was shown to be effective in

wound closure. The results of the study showed the effect an ointment made from Triphala has on infected wounds. The study concluded that “Active principles of the Triphala may be further evaluated and used as an excellent therapeutic formulation for infected wounds.”³⁷

Another study evaluated the effect of Triphala in a collagen sponge. Titled, “Triphala Incorporated Collagen Sponge-A Smart Biomaterial for Infected Dermal Wound Healing”, the study evaluated a collagen sponge which was incorporated with a methanol extract of Triphala. The dressing was then placed on an infected dermal wound in albino rats. The results were promising, showing quick wound closure and tissue regeneration. The conclusions demonstrated the efficiency of Triphala incorporated into a collagen sponge and the rationale of using such a dressing in the healing of infected dermal wounds.³⁸

4) Anti-oxidant and free radical scavenger

A study titled, “In vitro antioxidant studies and free radical reactions of triphala, an ayurvedic formulation and its constituents.” evaluated water extracts each individual component of Triphala, and the formula itself.³⁹

The study, undertaken on rats, found that all three compounds were effective in the inhibition of Gamma radiation induced breakage in plasmid DNA. The study further discovered that lipid peroxidation, induced by radiation, was inhibited by the extracts of each component herb and the formula itself.³⁹

The study further discovered that the triphala and component extracts were effective in scavenging free radicals. This was attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds in the extracts. The study found that each component of Triphala

is active, and under different conditions will exhibit different activities. For example, Amalaki was shown to be more efficient in the plasmid DNA assay, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation, and that Haritaki was more active in scavenging free radicals. The study concluded that Triphala as a whole is to be expected to be more effective due to the combined activity of the individual components.³⁹

5) Anti-Cancer compound

A study, “Potential of traditional ayurvedic formulation, Triphala, as a novel anticancer drug.” made some very important observations in the effectiveness of Triphala against cancer. The study evaluated the cytotoxic effects of Triphala on a cell line of human breast cancer cells and a thymic lyphoma transplanted from a mouse. The study found that the viability of the cell lines decreased when the concentrations of Triphala was increased. Further, it was discovered that normal breast cells, along with other normal cells weren’t significantly affected. This important action points to the potential of clinical treatments of cancer with Triphala. ⁴⁰

6)Protection against Gamma Radiation

Exposure to Gamma Radiation is a very real danger. Cross contamination events have occurred which have place the general population at risk, along with fires, leaks and carelessness at facilities.⁴¹ There is research that suggests Triphala is a good protective agent against radiation and oxidative damage of internal cells and organs.^42,43

IV. Conclusion

The modern western lifestyle can take it’s toll on the body and throw the doshas out of balance, and bring about poor health. Unhealthy digestion, or digestion of poor quality foods can increase Ama and lead to poor health. Recently, I found myself with high a high Ama, and this was due to the poor quality of food I would eat. This lead to digestive problems and eventually the feeling of lethargy and imbalance. I began to take Triphala, 1 tsp steeped in hot water nightly before sleep. Shortly after, about a week or so, I felt an increase in energy and better digestion. Improvement came by following a healthy dohsic based diet afterwards.

Currently, the Economic situation in the World illustrates the need to evaluate costs of various aspects of Society.

Heath-care costs can be mediated through healthy living. Triphala offers an inexpensive solution to more expensive modes of treatment for everyday issues like digestive complaints, further, it shows promise for more difficult conditions, like cancer. It is a natural, earth-friendly agricultural product which can be taken everyday to improve health. Triphala is yet another gift from the ancient Ayurvedic tradition.

In a world in which the general population reaches for digestive aids of all sorts, Triphala offers a simple solution and should be part of any diet one chooses, of course, a healthy doshic specific diet would be optimal, Triphala will still offer it’s benefits to those with less than healthy diets and lifestyles.

End Notes

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Tools of Free Will

“Remolding your consciousness means exercising free will guided by discrimination and energized by will power.”
-Paramahansa Yogananda

Often people look for answers in life that they feel they lack. Many

of us search for meaning, fulfillment or happiness, feeling we lack

these qualities. The search for these must begin and end with our

consciousness, for it is here that they are found.

One man’s heaven is another man’s hell. One man’s treasure is

another man’s curse. The difference, of course, is in perception.

This is the case in the search for contentment. We have all we

need, we must learn to see it.

This existence, this life, is like a prism. In essence, it is colorless,

yet it will reflect the color of any light which shines through it,

coloring in turn all the light shines upon. To find joy in this life, we

need to change the colors we project through our prism, and the

colors of our reality will change with them. These colors come from

our thoughts, the swirling mass of which make up our

consciousness. Changing our thoughts will lead to a change in our

lives. Achieving this is possible by heeding the advice of the quote

above. But what does it mean? How can we follow it? How is it

applicable in our lives? Let us examine it sequentially.

Actions come from thoughts. Any action, once repeated, becomes

easier to repeat, and repeated often enough it becomes habit. We

live our lives performing action due to habit, and often our habits

bring us unhappiness. We may smoke cigarettes, eat too much

chocolate, move from one abusive relationship to another, all due

to habit. These actions arise from thoughts that originated long

ago, often when we were in entirely different circumstances. In

order to escape these patterns, we must think our thoughts anew.

We must learn to think in the present moment. This is the

exercising of free will, to think thoughts unencumbered by habit or

outside control, and to think in the present.

Often, people express their inner thoughts about themselves and

their world with outer actions. They feel insecure, have low

self-esteem, or anger at past events. Carrying these with them,

they color every other thought they have with their influence.

These produce thoughts, actions, and then habits

counterproductive to happiness. Most don’t even realize they are

thinking these. To begin, we must analyze and classify our

thoughts.

But what thoughts to think? What thoughts are behind our habits?

Which thoughts will lead to happiness? This is the domain of

discrimination.

A faculty of the mind, discrimination works to separate thoughts

and classify them. Applied to any thought, it will reveal whether

such is beneficial or not towards our current goal. Before a thought

becomes action, application of discrimination will tell us where the

thought will lead. We all know if and when our actions and habits

are harmful, though we may continue on with them anyway. This

was the use of discrimination. The smoker knows the damage he

does to himself. To escape his habit, he must examine the thought

behind it.

Discrimination can tell the difference between fleeting

contentment and lasting happiness. It will know which is the path

to which. Before we act, if we subject ourselves to discrimination

with attention, and refuse to act unconsciously, we give ourselves

the opportunity to change our prism’s color. It will guide us to

actions conducive to our goal, not to shortcuts which turn out to be

dead ends.

Then what to do? How to walk the new path? Where is the

strength? This strength comes from will power.

A thought, action, or habit is like a muscle, the more it is exercised,

the stronger it is. Such is it with will power. By starting small,

carrying through on new thoughts which are less sweeping, we

give the will to change more energy. Putting down a cigarette or

candy bar just once, just this time, makes it easier next time.

Concentrating on the now gives will power even greater strength.

Like a muscle, it will grow and be capable of even greater feats in

the future.

New habits will soon grow, and cultivation of positive thoughts will

occur. Though shunned by some for it’s faddish familiarity,

positive thinking colors all other thoughts with it’s blessings. It will

bring about a true change in consciousness. With the tools of free

will, discrimination, and will power, you will find happiness and

contentment everywhere!

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Meditation for the Urban Warrior

City life can be hectic and stressful and the city dweller often finds themselves with little time for much of anything, including themselves. Tight work schedules and constant mental and physical activity can take it’s toll and the long term effects can be serious. Meditation is a great way to keep the mind healthy and improve health. It is something that doesn’t require much of your time and can be practiced just about anywhere. Here are some simple examples of how a person may find time to meditate:

Lunch Hour

Well, after all this is ‘your’ time of the day, why not use it to help your mind rest?

Portion your lunch hour so that half of it is used for eating and the other half is used for meditation. It would be wise to spend the first half meditating since your lunch may contain food that would make the process difficult, such as garlic, onions or any heavy food.

Find a quiet area if possible.

Sit on a chair comfortably with both feet flat on the floor.

Close your eyes and place your hands, palms flat on your legs.

With your eyes closed, run a mental scan of your entire body, identifying any areas of stress and tension and slowly relaxing them by moving accordingly. Make sure your shoulders are relaxed and your back is straight.

Begin breathing slowly and deeply through your nostrils.

Allow your abdomen to fill up with air first, then gently move the air into the chest and upper chest.

With your eyes closed, focus on a point between your eyebrows.

Make your breath deeper and try to make the exhalations longer than the inhalations.

Run a mental scan once again of the body, and just make a mental note of the position of your body and every point of contact with the chair.

Continue breathing deeply and focus your awareness on your breath. Imagine that through your breath you take in fresh energy and you exhale mental and physical fatigue.

When first beginning to meditate, the mind can become very tricky and refuse to settle. Don’t get discouraged, this is part of the process….like physical exercise, sometimes the hardest part is the beginning. Try to clear your mind of thoughts gradually, try not to force thoughts out of your mind as it will only create more thoughts. Instead, just watch your thoughts play out, they eventually decrease, you can also just listen to your breath and feel your breath as it enters your body.

Slowly your mind will begin to settle.

Daily practice of five to ten minutes will go a long way and you will notice a definite improvement in your everyday life. Eventually meditating will become easy, as with any exercise, practice improves the results.

To get an even better result, try to cut down on the amount of stimulants you ingest such as caffeine and nicotine, for they contribute to an unsettled mind.

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The Ayurvedic Cookbook Review

Author and nutritionist Amadea Morningstar has done a superb job in introducing the novice to the ancient science of Ayurvedic cooking. Do you constantly have indigestion, mood swings and poor energy? It just may be that your doshas are out of balance. What are doshas? Doshas refer to your Ayurvedic constitution. They are known as Vata, Pitta and Kapha. They are based on many physical and mental characteristics and can show which foods will benefit you and which foods may not. Each one of us have a different chemical make up and foods that may be great for one person, may spell discomfort for another. Finding out your dosha will assist you in making the right nutritional choices. This book contains everything you need to get started, including information on figuring out your particular dosha. With information on Ayurveda and anatomy, plus 250 delicious recipes, this book will make an excellent addition to your kitchen.

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