Dr. Vasant Lad is one of our greatest teachers in Ayurveda.  He runs the Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico (www.ayurveda.com).  I read his books over and over again to be reminded of all that ayurveda can do for us, as it applies to every area of our life.  Here is a passage that I particularly love from his most recent book: “A famous sutra says “Ayurveda amrutanam.”  Amruta means eternity, immortality and eternal bliss.  To attain that eternal bliss is the foundation of Ayurveda.  One interpretation of this short sutra is that Ayurveda is for those who are seeking immortality.  In effect, this means that Ayurveda is for those who want to balance their three doshas and attain perfect happiness, perfect health and a blissful state of being.  In that sense, to become enlightened you must know your constitution.  Your constitution is unique, which is why Ayurveda says that every individual is indivisible – a complete, unique expression of Purusha.  Love yourself as you are.  Don’t compare yourself with the person sitting next to you.  He or she may be prettier according to the standard of society, but you are equally beautiful and you are equally a total expression of consciousness.  An individual is a localized expression of the cosmos.  What you are is simply beautiful, so be one with what you really are.”

 

Textbook of Ayurveda