Swami Ramdevji's
dream is "Healthy India & Disease Free World."
To materlise his dream, the Divya Prakashan publishes
following books in different languages -
|
S.No. |
LIST OF BOOKS |
COST IN Rs. |
|
1. |
Vigyan Ki Kasoti Par Yog |
300/- |
|
|
2. |
Yog in Synergy with
Medical Science |
300/- |
|
|
3. |
Aushadh Darshan (English) |
50/- |
|
|
4. |
Aushadh Darshan (Hindi,Bengali,Gujrati,Kannada,Marathi,
Nepali,Oriya,Punjabi,Telugu,Urdu) |
30/- |
|
|
5. |
Ayurved Siddhanta Rahasya
(English,Hindi) |
125/- |
|
|
6. |
Bhakti Geetanjali |
30/- |
|
|
7. |
Divya Aushdhiya &
Saundriyakaran Paudhe |
20/- |
|
|
8. |
Ayurved Jadi Booti Rahasya |
350/- |
|
|
9. |
Jiwani Astwardhak |
75/- |
|
|
10. |
Pranayam Rahasya
International (Hindi,English) |
180/- |
|
|
11. |
Pranayam Rahasya (Hindi,Bengali,English,Gujrati,
Kannada,Malayalam,Marathi,Nepali,
Oriya,Punjabi,Tamil,Telugu,Urdu) |
50/- |
|
|
12. |
Sant Darshan |
200/- |
|
|
13. |
Vedic Nitya Karam Vidhi |
|
|
|
14. |
Vitality Strengthening |
75/- |
|
|
15. |
Yog Darshan |
50/- |
|
|
16. |
Yog Sadhna avam Yog
Chikitsa Rahasya (Hindi,Bengali,English,Gujrati,
Kannada,Malayalam,Marathi,Nepali,
Oriya,Punjabi,Tamil,Telugu,Urdu) |
125/- |
|
|
17. |
Yog Sadhna avam Yog
Chikitsa Rahasya International (Hindi,English) |
400/- |
|
Yog In Synergy With Medical Science(Vigyan
Ki Kasoti Per Yog) :
Today, Yog has acquired
global recognition and an exla1ted status as an ancient
health-building system. While many medical practitioners
and
intellectuals are keen to test it using scientific
evaluation methods, there are several others who are
resisting this trend and inclusion of Yog in medical
science. The welfare of patients is being overlooked for
the sake of personal, commercial and business interests.
Unfortunately, today medical science is taken mainly as
allopathy, world's health concern is more of an allopathic
concern and World Health Organization (WHO) could be taken
as an organization supporting and working for allopathy,
We are not trying to question the ethos behind existing
medical/ health system but we aim to start a healthy
debate about health concerns internationally and secure
right to health for the common man. We are aware that we
have a mighty challenge to deal with. With this objective
in mind, revered Yog Rishi Swami Ramdevji Maharaj has
committed himself to the objective that, "no person should
die of disease and nobody should die on account of being
poor." We have decided to proceed in this direction so as
to put a check on the large scale exploitation going on in
the country in the name of providing health services. In
this age of science, we are committed to firmly establish
Yog as a science using scientific tests. It is true that
Yog is powerful and contains the solutions for all the
global problems. From time immemorial, millions of people
have immersed themselves in this pious ever flowing Ganga
of Yog. But never ever neither the power holders nor any
voluntary organization or a resourceful individual has
come forward to work on Y og from a scientific
perspective. Although some holy saints, a few dedicated
institutions, and small groups have made attempts in this
direction, their work has not received international
recognition. We ascetics decided to drive away the
misconception that Y og is simply exercise for physical
fitness, created by people out of ignorance, selfishness
and resistance. In fact, these people have their own
agenda for not letting Yog, a glorious and time-tested
tradition, to get its due recognition and rightful place
on the world health map. Despite the lack of proper
resources, we are committed to deal with such impediments
on the path of Yog getting its due recognition. We have
been able to take up this Herculean task for the sake of
welfare of mankind with the unflinching support and trust
of millions of people in this world.
Today, we have reached a
stage where every intellectual of the world has greater
appreciation for Yog as a complete medical science and
philosophy of life and accepts its scientific reasoning
and basis. Yog is not just a physical exercise but a
holistic medical science; it is a philosophy of life, a
spiritual knowledge. it is a profound philosophical
thought process, but it is also about having a simple,
easy and balanced life-style. It is the path to gain
eternal wisdom, ultimate truth and to unite ~e inner soul
with the supreme soul through self-realization. It is a
tradition in which sages have attained immeasurable bliss,
indescribable happiness and inexplicable peace by
entering the supreme
conciousness which is present beyond mind. It is the
science that inhibits the agitations of the mind and takes
it to its highest level. Yog is the spiritual journey from
ignorance to knowledge, mortality to immortality obvious
to hidden, peace to ultimate tranquility. It is the inner
journey from thoughtfulness to emptiness, subjective to
objective concentration, from determinate to indeterminate
samadhi and extrovertedness to introvertedness and being
fIrm in judgement (gifted with unshakable mental
equilibrium). It is a holistic and scientific process to
transform body, mind and life. It is an experience of
complete silence and calm based on self-realization,
Tadeva arthamaatra nirbhasarp Swaroopa soonyamiva
Samaadhih It is devotion that transcends desire and a
state of nothingness attained by self-realization, which
is very different from emptiness caused by intoxication.
It is an understanding of truth of life and rationality.
There is a need to appreciate Yog, Ayurved and all Vedic
traditions in totality. life becomes a celebration once it
imbibes Yog that leads to making of an equity-based,
simple, developed, healthy and happy society. Yog brings
forth the indisputable truth that the solution to any
problem lies within and can't be found outside. Yog
activates the healing strengths within our bodies. Aavaata
vaabi bhesajarp, vivaata vaahi yad roopah, Twam hi
visthava bhesayo devaanaam doota iyase II (Rigveda). The
Vedic verse of yathaa Pinde tathaa brahmaande I leads to
the same conclusion that solutions lie within not without.
All the chemicals, salts, hormones, which we take in the
form of medicines can actually be harmful instead of being
benefIcial until we surrender ourselves to Yog. When we
start practising Yog, one does not need external
stimulations as the body itself secretes required
hormones and balances the internal chemical processes. The
anabolism, catabolism and metabolism processes in the
body, i.e. vata, pitta and kapha are maintained in
equilibrium. Mind becomes calm, bringing happiness and
helps in overcoming depression One feels a sense of
fulfillment in life and this is the glorious truth and
essence of Yog.
We are committed to get Yog
accepted internationally as a medical science. We are
determined to achieve this goal through the Patanjali
Yogpeeth and Patanjali University. At the
same time we are committed to build a healthy and
disease-free world in accordance with Indian ethos of
Vasudhev Kutumbkam and Sarve bhavantu sukhinah I and thus
contributing to the cause of promoting and conserving rich
Indian cultural and spritual traditions. This book is an
humble attempt in this direction. We are determined to
obtain more scientifIc evidence and build a science
perspective not only for Yog and Ayurved but for the
entire vedic knowledge and wisdom. We shall lead the world
in finding solutions for complex problems besetting
humanity through the fusion of science and spiritualism.
Writing this book has been a very challenging, difficult
and responsible work for me. The task of scientific
documentation, analysis of benefits of Yog, representation
of Yog as per scientific standards, compiling the
experiences of people and psychosomatic study of effects
of Yog on about 12.5 million people was very complex arid
labour intensive. Today, Yog has reached more than billion
people and 200 nations with the help of media and is being
practised extensively the world over. The selfcentred,
ill-minded and egoist people with power have been
questioning the benefits of Yog in the absence of
scientific evidence. This is our first attempt to present
Yog backed by currently available scientific evidence
obtained with our limited resources. The goal is far more
ambitious and the task of scientific documentation and
research is an ongoing process. We will continue with the.
research and shall present new facts as they become
available. We are also determined to carryon this mission
till Y og reaches each and every individual of the world
and gets complete scientific recognition. We aim to
conduct research and analyse the benefits of Yog at
personal, social, economic and international levels at the
Patanjali University. This book is the outcome of
meticulous work put in by us in order to present various
scientific standards used to test and validate this
ancient system of Yog, demographic study and personal
experiences of several hundred people along with
sufficient supporting proofs and documents. When the task
is so huge, possibility of errors cannot be ruled out.
Therefore, we humbly request the learned readers,
intellectuals, and scientific and medical fraternity to
come forward with their suggestions and point out the
mistakes so that they can be rectified in the next
edition. I invite you all whole-heartedly to participate
in this noble mission for the welfare of all human
beings.
Ramnavmi
Monday, 26 March
2007
Acharya Balkrishna
Sant Darshan : Swami Ramdevji's centre of activity, Kripalu Bagh
Ashram, Kankhal was established in 1932 by his guru,
Swami Kripalu Devji - who was the divine light and saint
luminary of his times. The multi-faceted activities of
this ashram are reflective of the multi-dimensional
personality of Swami Kripalu Devji. He was a detached
ascetic and a spiritualist. However, he had great love for
the country, religion and culture. He was deeply devoted
to the Ganga river, and the Geeta (the religious book of
Hindus) and the cow. His life had been devoted to God from
the time of his birth. He delv~d deep into the spirit to
discover the mysteries of life. He was a very bold and
daring person who enjoyed playing with dangers. His life
was full of miracles. His life was elevated from the
desires for son, wealth and fame. He never tried to
propagate himself. He was devoted to yog practice and at
the same time worked actively to open schools, a library
and reading room. He published a journal 'Vishwa Gyan
Patrika' as well. He wrote poetry and prose. He fought for
the protection of the cow and against communalism. His
contributions to the freedom struggle are valuable. His
life is not only excitingly adventurous but also very
inspiring.
About 65 years ago, his
devoted disciple Pt Shyamji Parashar wrote his biography
in Hindi on his illustrious life (in majestic year 1996)
as the 8th flower to Mother Shiv Devi Smarak and published
it on behalf of Rashtriya Ninnan Granth Mala, Karol Bagh,
New Delhi in March 1940. The first edition of two thousand
copies was distributed on the spot. Evidently, his
followers were in thousands. Only one copy of this rare
and valuable book was available with Swamiji's disciple
and the current manager of the ashram, Swami Shankar Devji.
However, when Divya Yog Trust wanted to get it published
it had disappeared mysteriously. They searched for this
book in various libraries in Hardwar in vain. Dr Surendra
Singh Kadiyan, the Managing Editor of 'Yog Sandesh' who
was pursuing the matter actively, looked for a copy of the
book in many libraries of Hardwar but could not fInd one.
Then one day in the ashram he accidentally met an old
disciple of Swami Kripalu Devji Lehrilal Paliwal, Mahavir
Colony, Badh Village, Bedla Road, Udaipur who possessed a
copy of the book. He lent the book and Diamond Pocket
Books began working on it by getting the matter typed on
the computer. When the proofs of the book were being seen
the manuscript got misplaced by whose fault, no one
knows. But, since some pages were tom and a few chapters
were incomplete its publication got d~layed. When Dr
Surendra Singh Kadiyan spoke about his problem to Acharya
Satyanand Naishtik he said that he had a copy of the book
in his collection. Finally, with the help of Satyanandji
Naishtik the book reached the stage of publication.
Therefore, he deserves our special gratitude. Shri
Lehrulal Paliwal undoubtedly deserves our sincere
gratitude.
With the grace of God, we
are happy to present the English edition of this book to
the readers despite the various obstacles. We are grateful
to Divya: Yog Man~ir Trust for their cooperation. Divya
Yog Mandir Trust is carrying on the work started by Swami
Kripalu Devji not only in
. India but the
whole world, By making the Ayurvedic stream of medicine
popular, Divya Yog Mandir
is teaching the importance of indigenous treasures to the
Indians. While Swami Kripalu Devji fought for the freedom
of the country, Divya Yog Mandir Trust is fighting with
the multi-national companies for the cultural and
economic freedom of India. There is no doubt that we will
be successful in this holy war because our struggle has
begun from the holy land of Saint Kripalu Devji Maharaj
from which we derive constant inspiration and spiritual
strength.
This book has changed the
perspectives of thousands of people, of which the disciple
tradition of Swami Kripalu Devji Maharaj is a living
testimony. Swami Shyaniji Parashar was a prolific writer,
and he wrote
this biography with
devotion in the presence of Swami Kripalu Devji. The
readers will find a pleasant mix of prayer, devotion, yog,
sadhna, spirituality, patriotism, social service,
religion, culture and humanity in it.
On behalf of Divya Yog
Mandir Trust I am deeply grateful to all the people who
have made it possible to bring out this English edition of
the book and hope that it will once again touch the
heights of its popularity and inspire readers.
With these best wishes,
Acharya Balkrishna
Yog Its Philosophy &
Practice(Yog Sadhna Avam Yog Chikitsha Rahasya) : It is heartening to present the English edition of this popular book,
Yog its Philosophy and Practice, written by the
revered Swami Ramdevji
Maharaj.
The first edition of the Hindi book was published in the
year 2002. In a span of just two years, this book has
enabled thousands of devotees to be a part of yoga
revolution. Superior quality of paper and international
style of printing has been used for this edition.
Attractive photographs have added new dimension to this
book. Despite increase in cost of research and production,
we tried our best to keep the price affordable for
citizens so that book will continue to enlighten
generations to come.
Yog is complete in every aspect because it touches the every sphere of
human life. It is a complete science which provides
healthy lifestyle and a complete preventive medication
system and above all, an enlightening spiritual art.
The reason for popularity
of Yog lies in the fact that it has never bound itself
within the narrow-minded attitude of sex, religion, caste,
community, area and language. A devotee, philosopher,
amateur, ascetic, unmarried, married or any person can get
into the proximity of yog and reap its benefits. It has
proved to be beneficial not only in the uplifting of an
individual but also in the overall development of family,
society, nation and the world. The answer of the problems
like stress, unrest, terrorism, ignorance and
incompleteness to which the man of modern society is
falling prey, lies only in Yog. It is a divine science,
which brings the mankind on the path of positive thinking,
which was discovered by the learned saints and seers of
ancient India. Saint Patanjali brought it in a disciplined
manner, preserved and produced the eight yogic practices
in the form of Yog. Respected Swamiji advices and
practices these eight yogic practices in his discourses
and yoga training camps. He has arrived at a conclusion
that a healthy individual and a happy society can be built
only under the shelter of Yog.
Yog is not only meant for the ascetics, devotees and yogis
living in caves, but it is equally important and
beneficial for the ordinary people living with his/her
family as well. It is surprising to note that we are ready
to fall into the trap of two hundred- year-old allopathic
system of medication and willingly victimising ourselves
economically, physically and mentally, but are reluctant
and ignorant towards thousands of years old yog knowledge,
which is not only practical but also a free medication
system. Had this been just a mystic science, then why
would have Krishna given this advice to Arjun? Yograj
Swami Ramdevji has done a great
service by preserving this
knowledge, which was loosing its base and re-establishing
it for Indian mankind. Therefore, he is not only worthy of
respect and faith of millions of Indians but the entire
world.
We are confident and zealous that with your co-operation, respect, faith
and devotion, this revolution of divine culture will
continue to progress and take the" ascending journey of
ancient spiritual knowledge including Yog and Ayurved from
zero to infinity.
Acharya Balkrishna
Pranayama Its
Philosophy & Practice(Pranayam Rahasya) :
Pranayama" is a
scientific method, being a part of 'yog' as preached and
propounded by accomplished yogis of yore and systematised
by Maharshi Patanjali.
It
is rightly Claimed and experienced that the followers of
this system of yog get immunity from even incurable
diseases and acquire peace of mind.
However, some people, claiming to be well versed in this science,
propagate that Asanas or postures which form a part of
yogic exercise, as complete yog keeping aside the
importance and practical utility of eight limbs of yog, as
advocated by Maharshi Patanjali in his Treatise, ‘yog
Sutras’ compiled by him about 2500 hundred years before.
Due to this kind of wrong
propaganda, a mis-understanding-arises in the minds of the
common people about the correct and true connotation of
the word yog, its form and also its benefits.
It is for this reason that it is necessary to present before the common
people, the real cannons of this science, and how it is
required to be practised according to its established
norms, so that it may yield those benefits, which are
aimed at by its proponents.
For getting the desired
results, it is necessary to study this science of yog, and
practise the same according to the rules as set forth by
Maharshi Patanjali.
If a correct attitude is not adopted for the propagation of yog there is
a likelihood of spread of mis- understanding in regard to
this noble science.
This small book therefore, is a brief attempt in the direction of
explaining various features of yog, with reference to its
various aspects of which Pranayama is the principal and
most important component.
Discussion on the subject of Pranayama in this book is based upon the
experience gained by the author from teaching Yogic
exercises and pranayama in the periodical camps, held for
the purpose and attended now by several thousands of
aspirants desiring to learn the subject in a scientific
way.
My study and practice of
the subject, spreading over years, has convinced me that 'yog'
is not only important from the spiritual point of view but
it is also important and necessary for maintaining
physical and mental health.
From the therapeutic point of view, except the diseases pertaining to
bones, enormous benefit and curative effect can be
achieved by yogic exercises of which Asanas (postures)and
Pranayama (control on breath)are integral parts. Only !Asanas!(postures)
are not enough for curing serious and chronic diseases
like asthama, heart diseases, cancer, diabetes etc.
unless, along with the prescribed Asanas, pranayama-a
system of breath control is also practised.
Practice of pranayama is so simple, innocent and harmless that even
children, sick people and aged also can practise it
without any harm.
I have written a large book entitled Yog Sadhana to explain the science
of yog in all its important aspects. But I have written
this small book containing discussion mainly on Pranayama,
to satisfy the demand of several aspirants, who wanted the
subject of Pranayama to be separately treated, so that it
may be easily and instantly referred to.
I must express my heart
felt gratitude to Shri Laxmichandji Nagar, who is known
for his benevolent activities, who has lent to this book a
very attractive from and has greatly contributed in making
it useful. His incessant help and guidance has contributed
a great deal in the publication activities of the Ashram,
which can never be forgotten.
Discussions about the
format and the contents of the book with Shri Balkrishnaji
Maharaj, who is well-versed in Ayurvedic Lore and Acharya
Shri Karmavirji Maharaj have greatly helped the author, in
giving this book the present attractive and useful shape.
I am extremely greatful to both of them for the help that they have
rendered in preparation of this book.
The coloured pictures which
are included in this book, have enhanced its utility in
understanding several aspects of yogic excercises. These
pictures have been taken from the book of Yogiraj Shri
Jagannath Pathak. entitled !Brahma Sakshatkar! (Realisation
of Brahma-Ultimate Reality) and “Sankhya Yog”.
I hope this book will be useful to those who desire to travel on the
path of Yog.
SWAMI RAMDEV
Ayurveda Its Principles & Philosophies(Ayurved
Jadi Booti Rahasya) : Amongst all the culture of the world, Indian
culture is not only the oldest of all but it is also the
best and incomparable. Vedas are the
root
source and basis of our culture and civilization, which
are the oldest scriptures in the library of human beings.
There are four Vedas viz. Rigveda, Yajurveda, Saamveda and
Atharveda. Ayurveda is the oldest treatise related to
treatment and health which is believed to be a part of
Atharveda and this book is being presented to give the
useful and reliable information about the mysteries of the
principles of the oldest and greatest treatise ayurveda.
The ancient learned sages described ayruveda as immortal
and in support of their statement they have given three
reasons which cannot be ruled out, which are
"soyaamaayurvedah shaashvato nirdishyate,
anaaditvaat,
swbhaavsamsidhlakshantwaat, bhaavswbhaav nityatvaachh II
(charak samhita percept 30/26)
Which means that ayurveda being eternal, by accomplishment
of its symptoms on their own and is endless or in other
words immortal by being regular in the behaviour of the
feelings. It is this immortal treatise ayurveda, which was
studied by Prajapati through Brahma, studied by princes of
Ashwani through Prajapati, from whom Indra studied and
from Indra the sage Bhardwaj studied it and passed on its
knowledge to other sages which included Punarvasu Aatreya,
Agnivesh, Jatukarna, Parashar, Haareet, Shar Paani,
Sushrut, DhanvantIi, Vaagbhat and other worth quoting
names.
In Indian culture the four main valorous objectives of
human life are to follow - duty, wealth, desire and
salvation, and attain self-realization and getting freedom
from the cycle of birth and death and come closer to god.
The actual basis of the attainment and accomplishment of
the four kinds of velour is a healthy body because "shareermaadhyam
khalu dharma saadhanam", according to
which, the means to abide by one's duty is only a healthy
body. If a person is healthy and free from all diseases
then that person can follow the daily routine in a proper
manner, he can perform daily work and he can do hard work,
he can derive pleasure from any means of joy, he can earn
money by way of any enterprise or business, can serve the
family, society and the nation, to practice and worship
god for welfare of the self. It is because of this, having
a healthy body is the first pleasure of the seven
pleasures that have been stated. A yurveda also states the
same
“dharmarth kaamamokshanaamaarogyam moolmuttamam”
(charka samhita percept 1/15)
which means that health is the basis of duty, wealth,
desire and salvation.
A question on the importance and utility of the treatise
ayurveda has been asked "kimarthmaayurvedah" which means that what is the objective of ayurveda?
The answer given to this question is-
''prayojanam chaasya swasthasya
waasthyarakshanmaaturasya vikaarprashmanamam cha"
(c!wrka samhita percept
30/26)
it means that the objective of the treatise ayurveda is to
protect the health of a person and cure the diseases of a
sick person. The most important thing is that this
objective of ayurveda has not been created for earning
profit or fame but has been created for the benefit of the
human beings keeping in mind the feeling of kindness and
compassion, that is
"dharmaartham chaarth kaamaarthmaayurvedo
maharishibhih prakaashito dharma paraerichhdabhiah
sthanamakshram"
(charka samhita
treatment
1-4/57)
which means that the sages engaged in religious activities
and desirous of attaining salvation have propagated the
knowledge of ayurveda just as their duty towards .the
religion, and not for fulfillment of any specific desire.
A yurveda has defined the practitioner of ayurveda as
"naathaartha naapi kaamaatharthamatha bhoot dyaam
prati
vartate yashchikitsaayaam sa sarvmativartate"
(charka samhita
chikitsaa
1-4/58)
which means that the best doctor is the vaidya who
performs his duty not keeping in mind any specific desire,
and only has a feeling of sympathy for the person
(patient).
Ayurveda is such a treatise that is the best and practices
the rules-principles of high idealism, it is the only
system of medicine which lays more emphasis on the diet,
that is, what to eat and what not to eat and describes the
means of eradication of the cause of the disease as the
first step to cure any disease.
"sanksheptaha kriyaa yogo nidaan parivarjanam" which means that first of all get rid of the cause of
the disease. To prove its objectives ayurveda describes
about the ways and means to safeguard the health and also
describes about the causes because of which diseases
develop in the body.
Describing the means of safeguarding health, ayurveda says
"traya upastambha iti - aahaaramah swapno
brahmacharyamiti"
(charka samhita percept 11/35)
which means that food, sleep and celibacy are the three
assisting-pillars for stability, firmness and perfection
of the body. By utilization of these three assisting
pillars in accordance with the prescribed method body and
health can be safeguarded.
Along with this the causes of sickness has been discussed,
that is
"ghee dhriti smriti veebhrashtah karmayat kurute
ashubham
pragyaparaadham tam vidyat sarvadosh prakopnam "
(charka samhita shareer
1/102)
which means that when a person performs inauspicious deeds
on destruction of ghee (brain), dhriti
(patience) and smriti (memorizing power), then all
the physical and mental defects become irate. These
inauspicious deeds are called intellectual offences. One
who commits intellectual offences his body and health will
suffer and he will be disease struck.
Ayurveda while describing itself says-
“tadayurveda yateetyaayurvedah”I
(charka
samhita percept 30/23)
which means that one who imparts knowledge about duration
of life is known as ayurveda. It is also said
"hitaahitam sukham dukhmaayustasya hitaahitam
maanam cha tachh yatroktamaayurvedah sa uchayate"
(charka samhita percept 1/41)
which means that the scripture in which diet to be taken
and diet not to be taken, to honour or dishonour a
duration and the appearance of the duration for the four
kinds of durations i.e. good duration of life, bad
duration of life, happy duration of life and unhappy
duration of life has been described, it is called ayurveda.
Actually, ayurveda is the name given to the best and
healthy life-style, it is the name of the knowledge of
life and is the name of the science which makes the life
of human being healthy and happy.
Conclusion can be derived that ayurveda is not only the
science that gives knowledge of medicine or herbal
medicines or shrubs but it is the treatise of a complete
human life and its view.
Medicines have been described for the well being of the
ill and also the daily routines and have been described
for helping a healthy person to 'safeguard his health. The
seasonal routines have also been described which gives
detailed information about the food-habbits which are
appropriate and beneficial as per the defects of vaat,
pitta and kapha. Description have been given
about the eatables that are mutually against each other
and which are always unsuitable for consumption, and also
the micro- forces of the body which are to be borne in the
body have also been described. Actually the fact is that
the ayur.veda is such a vast subject that it can not be
bound within a boundary. In ayurveda green plants, leaves,
seeds, fruits etc. are considered as medicines. That is-
"anenopdeshen naanaushadhi bootam jagati kimchid
dravyamupalabhyate taam toom yuktimarth ch tam
tambhipretya"
( charka samhita percept 26/12)
which means that, in this universe there is no such liquid
which is not a medicine. According to different uses as
per the requirement every stuff functions as a medicine
and each mineral can be purified and can be used as
medicine, which can be life saving. Along with this
ayurveda also gives us knowledge that intake of the diet
and lifestyle, consuming water and air in a systematic way
adds longevity, gives knowledge about nature, soul and god
and guides in getting rid of the cycle of life and death
and attain salvation. The knowledge presented by our
learned sages on ayurveda will prove beneficial for the
lives of human beings and there is no doubt that today the
knowledge of ayurveda needs to be spread in every nook and
comer of this universe. New experiments must be done and
research in this field must be done so that the treatment
by this system can be done fearlessly. Even today there
are capable ayurvedic doctors, who are working with
traditional methods, they are experienced and are able to
cure such diseases which are thought as incurable, but due
to lack of connectivity and assistance between them
utilization of ayurveda at the universal level is not
taking place.
We have established brahmkalp hospital and by way of this
hospital we have served millions of patients and cured
patients with the help of ayurveda. We believe that it is
necessary to do research on ayurveda with modem
technological updates. This necessity has been understood
in depth by Swami Ramdevji, under whose leadership, the
preachings of ayurveda on the subjects of health,
appropriate lifestyle, diet and dietary habits, actions
and thoughts etc., will be propagated.
Today human beings are going away from nature, going away
from his own intellect due to which he is deprived of his
natural state of health or health. Guidance of ayurveda is
must to get back the healthy body, pure mind and intellect
because it is ayurveda which links the human beings with
nature and his intellect within and gives knowledge about
the best lifestyle. This book i.s being presented to make
everyone aware of the strange, deep seated and
unprecedented mysteries of ayurveda.
Sister Kanchan, the disciple of Vaidya Bhagwan Das has
given us assistance in writing this book, after studying
the ayurvedic scriptures in depth she collected the gist
from them. I express my heartfelt thanks to her.
After composing it on computer, it was sent to Dr.
Premdutt Pandey, the chief editor of 'Nirogadham',
at Indore for proof reading and necessary corrections.
Despite of his busy schedule he has done the proof reading
and corrections and submitted the book in time, this is
evidence of his heartfelt affection and active assistance.
I thank Dr .Pandey for his assistance.
I also thank and bless all the assistants, junior and
senior doctors of the ashram who gave their
assistance in writing of this book, may god give them more
desire and interest in this work of serving others. In the
end, I bow to my elder brother, the revered Swami Ramdevji
Maharaj, who has been the source of inspiration for me in
carrying out the services at the ashram, he has
been providing me active assistance and it is due to his
blessings that I am able to do all my duties. All my
success and achievements are the result of his efforts.
Swamiji is the representative of those learned sages of
ayurveda, by whose efforts the knowledge of ayurveda has
been propagated allover. I am grateful to all the learned
sages who have protected, added and expanded the ayurvedic
scriptures. Bowing down my head to all of them, we should
take oath for propagating the tradition, securing it and
being a follower on the path of spirituality, ayurved, yog
and vedic culture. We must have a firm belief that we will
be blessed and be assisted by everyone in this sacred
task.
Acharya Balkrishna
Vitality Strengthing Astavarga Plants(Jiwani
Astwardhak) : The Ayurveda is the science of life and has been enriched by several
Rishis such as Aswani Kumars, Atreya, Bhardwaja,
Dhanwantri,
Charak,
and Susrut etc. in the ancient India. During this early
phase of Ayurvedic development, Ashwani Kumars, who has a
vast reputation as Ayurvedic wonder healers, saw the old
and frail, emaciated body of Rishi Chayavan, decided to
rejuvenate his body through medication. Rishi Chayavan was
borne in the lineage of Maharishi Bhrigu (who was great
astrologist and made birth charts of Lacs of people which
are valid even today). For this they invented Astavarga -
a group of eight medicinal plants and did the miracle of
rejuvenating the body of Rishi Chayavan as youthful.
Since then after the name of Rishi Chayavan the preparation was called
as Chayavan Prash and has been a favourite and most
demanded medicine for Kings and rich people. With the
disappearance of Gurukul system of ancient education,
which had more practical and less theoretical approach,
the knowledge (practical in natural habitats) of medicinal
plants started fading away coupled with no written details
most of the medicinal plants over the several centuries a
great confusion about their actual identity had taken its
deep roots. This was the case with Astavarga which
included eight plants species with their Sanskrit names as
Rdhi, Vrdhi, Jeevak, Rishbhak, Kakoli, Kshirkakoli, Meda
and Mahameda. All these plants have their natural habitats
in Himalaya especially the north-western Himalaya. Their
natural habitats are specific in ecological requirements
and hence these occur only in small patches. Large and
extensive areas are never found. Over the centuries of
Ayurvedic history, many confusions about identity were
further added. In Nighantus by various authorities, and
commentators it was made clear that the Astaverga is even
rare to kings and therefore suggested the use of
substitutes. This suggestion put forth full stop on
further efforts to explore these plants in their habitats.
After independence and revival of interest in Ayurveda
provided the necessary enthusiasm and also the taxonomic
system of plant classification facilitated the task of
correct identification of Astavarga plants.
The commendable efforts of
Dr. Maya Ram Uniyal, Professor Priyavrata Sharma, Dr. K.
C. Chunekar, Dr. P. K. Warrier etc. had resulted in
providing some useful guidelines on this subject. The
authors in association with Divya Yog Mandir (Trust)
Haridwar under the financial assistance of National
Agricultural Technology Project (NATP) on plant
Biodiversity with mission mode operation of the National
Bureau Of Plants Genetic Resources (NBPGR) the work on
Astavarga was expanded and many explorations were conducted in Himanchal Pradesh,
Uttaranchal (Himalayan) States. As a consequence of this
programmes and deep involvement of authors undertaking
large number of trekking to different Himalayan peaks in
Himachal and Uttaranchal such as Hattoo, Churdhar, Shali
peak, KamrooNag, Auli Peak, Rainthal peak, Khalia top,
Gangnani hill, Kedarnath (Gandhi Sarover), Gangotri and
Yamunotri. On the basis of our experience and literature,
the final identity with taxonomic nomenclature has been
given in- this book. The species status botanical
description of species, adulterants substitutes,
geographical description etc. has been given alongwith
the ayurvedic (Nighantu) medicinal properties of each
species. The confusing descriptions of Lilium
polyphylum (Kshirkakoli) in different medicinal plant
books, herbarium specimen etc. caused anxiety of search
and three to four years it was difficult to get ..even a
single plant specimen. The names of our active
co-operators in this arduous task were Acharya Muktananda,
Dr. G. S. Goraya Conservator (Forest), Shri Mela Ram
Sharma, who had shown keen interest and Acharya Muktananda
had been our companion in all programmes. The
encouragement and inspiration received from Dr. Bansi Ram
Sharma, Sahitya Ratna, Hindol Kusumpati, coordinator
Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manava Sangrahalaya, Bhopal,
Acharya Karamvir, Dr. S. K. Pareek P.I. NATP (PB), Dr. J.
C. Rana is duly acknowledged.
The Astavarga plants are
known as Jeevaniya (drugs strengthening vitality, immunity
system etc.), Brhnayiya (increase flesh in the body by
activating cell regeneration even in old age) and
vayasthapan (metabolic processes especially anobolism
become active and leads to youthful body complexion). The
combination is sheetvirya, tasty, mans dhatu vardhak,
sukrajanak, vipak guru, quickly cures bone fracture,
tonic, increases kapha and is useful in vata-pitta, rakta,
thirst, burning sensation in the body, fever, urinary
problems including diabetes and consumption (Bhav Prakash
Nighantu). These plants had so far been excluded from the
modem researches because of confusion on their identity
and difficulty in availability of sufficient drug
material.
The book on Astavarga will attract the attention of researchers,
Biodiversity conservationists for ex-situ and in-situ
conservation, herbal growers and promoters of Ayurvedic
system of treatment as well as scores of well wishers
(consumers) of Ayurveda in India and abroad. The
identification of these plants had been made easy by
inclusion of coloured photographs a long-with the usable
drug part. The herbalists (Pansaris) and Chayavan Prash
manufactures had been adopting many wrong practices to
lure the consumers and earn greater profits, it is hoped
that this book will serve the wider sections of society in
different ways including the herbal traders who can
arrange right kind of drug material to drug
manufacturers.
Shastri Yesdev Sharma and his team deserve special mention to bring out
this excellent publication with meticulous care.
B. D. Sharma
Acharya Balkrishan
