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”
(charka samhita percept 30/23)

Ayurveda while describing itself says-
­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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yog Darshan : The great sage Patanjali is a mystical august personality in the realm of spiritual lore.Though seemingly paradoxical, he is very sagacious, fully scientific in his attitude, preaching all along the message of love and dedication. He gives equal importance to endeavour and dedication, prayer and vigorous efforts for practising yoga. He says that those who want to go beyond the mind, i.e., those who want to restrain the movements of mind need practice and non-attachment : `yogascittavrttinirodhah'; `abhyasavairagyabhyam tannirodhah'. According to Maharsi Patanjali, the attainment of yoga state, the realisation of self is possible only through sincere and tenacious journey for a long time toward your goal: `sa tu dirghakala-nairantaryasatkarasevito drdhabhumih'. However, he hastens to add that for the perception and realisation of self, dedication and surrender is more important than the length of time : `isvarapranidhanad va'; `fivrasamveganamasannah'. The moment you have an intense sense of dedication inside you, the intensity of resolution, the intensity of hunger to achieve your goal, the depth of love and yearning for liberation along with a strong faith, you will be able to attain self-realisation. The entire yoga-practice of Maharsi Patanjali is centred on this truth that everything is there inside you; you are yourself the centre of Vedas, scriptures, knowledge, God, bliss and peace. The yoga of Maharsi Patanjali starts from a point beyond the mind. He does not serve left-overs to you; he does not believe in carrying on the burden of tradition. He is a demolisher; he demolishes your prejudices; he inspires you to renounce every thing.

 


He says: `prama,naviparyayavikalpanidrasmrtayah'-raise yourself above the morass of factual and false knowledge, non-existence and recollection. An individual lives in the world of factual knowledge; he needs the approval of Vedas, scriptures and Upanishads. He is not prepared to accept any truth, any faith without finding it approved by Qoran, Puranas, Gita and Bible. An individual is resting on his oars with the knowledge gained by perceiving with his eyes, hearing with his ears or through inference, etc., as the central goal of his life. He is not prepared to think beyond this. Maharsi Patanjali exhorts to move ahead, leaving aside all forms of factual knowledge. Until and unless you read the scripture of soul, these external scriptures will confound you, will make you fight and clash between yourselves. Mere external scriptures will lead to discord and disharmony. You should now get acquainted with yourself. You should eet to the core of scriptures from where the knowledge contained in Vedas, scriptures, Gita, Qoran and Bible was born. You should imlibe that consciousness; then the scriptures turn into spheres of harmonious talk, not of fiery debates. They demolish the ego of an individual; they lead you into a new life through death. They exhort you to get ahead of factual knowledge. Don't carry the burden of false knowledge. Stop living in a world of illusions. Also, wake up from the slumber of non-existence. All the occurrences in your life till now are a thing of the past. Don't keep clinging to them; you have to move into the present. In the present there is liveliness, animation and truth. Therefore, don't get intrigued and distracted by these waverings; seek life in the present. He inspires you to get connected with the central point of your consciousness or existence lurking between the past and the future. He makes you self-reliant. Maharsi Patanjali exhorts you to discard crutches and to move on your legs. Scriptures, guru, tradition, rosary, tilak (sectarian mark on the forehead), temple, mosque, monastery, gurudwara, church-they are all crutches. Maharsi Patanjali makes you a truly righteous person and a theist; he does not play any dramatic gimmicks. He says that you are yourself the core of religion. He does not divide the religion into symbols. He motivates you to march toward your destined goal. He says: `tapah-svadhyayesvarapra,nidhanani kriyayogah'. Always stay equanimous and unperturbed in happiness-unhappiness, honour-humiliation, cold-hot, favourableunfavourable, victory-defeat. Practise penance, self-realisation through penance, endeavour, vigorous effort and observance of duty, along with a deep sense of dedication to god. This whole process will eleanse your mind of all impurities, will attenuate all your miseries.
According to Maharsi Patanjali, looking at an idol or statue is not meditation. He says that the attainment of God means the absolute ending of miseries; `samadhibhavanartha,h klesatanukara,narthasca'; `avidya-asmita-raga-dvesa-abhinivesa,h panca klesah'. According to the great sage, the goal of kriyayoga is samadhi, i.e., sambodhi, self-realisation and the cessation of miseries. For the removal of this impurity of the mind he exhorts the eight limbs of yoga (astanga yoga): `yoganganusthanad asuddhiksaye jnanadiptih a vivekakhyateh'. Describing the astanga yoga which comprises yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi, Maharsi Patanjali says: `ahirizsasatyasteyabrahmacaryaparigrahah yamah; `saucasantosatapah svadhyayesvara- pranidhanani niyamah'; `desa-kala-samayanavacchinnah sarvabhauma mahavratam'-non-violence, truth, etc., are universal great vows. Spiritual and global peace is impossible without observing them. `ekam sad viprah bahudha vadanti'. There is one main purpose for Maharsi Patanjali behind all the procedures and forms of yoga, that darkness and impurity must be eradicated. Doubts, illusions and a prejudices must break down. Then, you need not go anywhere; you have got all the solutions. He talks of attaining divine powers by the controlled focusing of dharana, dhyana and samadhi : `trayamekatra samyamah'; `tajjayat prajnalokah'; `tasya bhumisu viniyogah'. He tells the method of knowing the past and the future by focusing samyama; he explains the method of vanishing; he also teaches the procedure of walking in space and entering into another body; he also makes us attain siddhis like anima, laghima, garima, etc. Maharsi Patanjali also unravels the secrets of physiology and cosmology. He also teaches walking on water without any support, and also makes the sadhakas skilled in knowing the mysteries of previous birth and re-birth.
He awakens the talent hidden in an individual. While talking of the highly marvellous divine powers of yoga, he makes this instant observation- `te samddhavupasarga vyutthane siddhayah' -these siddhis are impediments to samadhi; but at the same time, after giving this clarification he unravels the secrets of yoga. He warns against getting entangled in these siddhis like a magician, or playing with the divine powers of yoga like a juggler; otherwise `sthaniupanimantra,ne sangasmayakara,nariz punah anistaprasaizgat'- you can also slip. Therefore he awakens the sadhaka and teaches him about liberated existence (kaivalya) by keeping away from all hypocrisy and ostentation : `tad vairagyadapi dosabajaksaye kaivalyam'; `sattvapurusayoh suddhisamye kaivalyam'. Ignoring these siddhis you have to go ahead because you have to attain kaivalya through the equality of purity of the Matter and the Soul. Maharsi Patanjali wants you to realise wholeness beyond the mind, beyond the matter : 'purusarthasunyanarim gunanariz pratcprasavah kaivalyariz svarupapratis,tha vii citisakteriti'. Maharsi Patanjali introduces the sadhaka to the subtle mysteries of the Matter. He elaborates upon savikalpa (determinate), nirvikalpa (non-determinate), savicara (investigational) and nirvicara (non-investigational) samadhi. Like a great scientist of Matter (i.e., a physicist), he also analyses substances through samprajnata samadhi. He views things from a completely scientific angle; he leads up the path of truth, love, surrender and bliss. Therefore he takes the sadhaka again into the unknown and ushers him into bhuma through asamprajnata samadhi and nirbija samadhi. `parinama-tapa-samskaraduhk,hai,h gunavrttivirodhacca duhkhameva sarvam vivekinah'. Along with accepting the Matter Maharsi Patanjali makes us realise the reality, evanescence and unhappiness of the Matter : `krtartham prati nas,tamapi anas,tariz tadanyasadhara,natvat'. He expounds yoga as a science. He tells a definite advantage of each form of yoga. He believes that the wholeness of yoga lies in the combination of jnana-yoga, bhakti-yoga and karma-yoga. He is not one-sided; he is not biased. He was no doubt a great yogi of his times; it will not be possible to have a yogi of his calibre in the future, because along with his scientific approach he sets out on a spiritual journey. Being rational he is acceptable to intellectuals; at the same time he is a supporter of discerning faith, devotion, truth and dedication. He has become the first and last authority on yoga. The great sage does not equate yoga and spiritualism with escapism. He does not make you escape; he stirs and awakens you. He keeps you firm and stable between the battle on one side and the escape on the other : `bah gaya so bhog% thahar gaya so yogi'. He stabilizes you in your self. The great sage offers us rtambhara to enjoy solitude amidst multitude, and to enjoy multitude amidst solitude. Patanjali is my favourite because I find the whole truth in his gospel. I see his words being vindicated at mind level as well a ground level, From my childhood I am inclined to have rational, but religious, beliefs. Nobody has influenced me more than Maharsi Patanjali, because in him I find the brain of a scientist as well as the heart of a person who is out on an inward journey of wholeness replete with faith, truth and dedication. I have a feeling that this brief interpretation of yoga-sutras will dispel the doubts and delusions of a myriad sadhakas and illumine the path of their spiritual life. Sutras are in the form of mantras, therefore I have not much elaborated upon them. As the level of your consciousness is elevated through yoga, the portals to the mysteries of yoga will gradually start opening. We will automatically be benefited by the company of enlightened persons, great persons of sublime category and yogis with their intellect stabilized in self and Brahman. God will help us if we only keep on marching on the path of vogic practice. I am myself a sadhaka and I perceive that the truth is automatically being unravelled. The destined goal for all of us is-attainment of the whole truth, realisation of self, search for identity. Let us therefore join together to march toward the destined goal with faith, dedication and endeavour as well as a positive attitude. A day will come when we will definitely reach our goal, and then our inner and outer life will really be very beautiful. The meticulous & dedicated efforts of Shri Jagdish Gupta in the translation of this work to English are laudable. He is a retired Director (Official Language) and a well-versed scholar on the subject, and at the age of 74, has done a remarkable task. I thank him whole-heartedly & pray to God for his long, healthy & prosperous life.                                                                                                   

 

 

 

 

 

            - SWAMI RAMDEV