The texts of Ayurveda date back 5,000 years.  But Ayurveda was an oral tradition long before that, so the science may be 6,000 or 7,000 years old.  In the Rig-Veda, it is said that giving to charity is a duty, and the best way to give is to expect nothing in return, to give with love and devotion and respect.  It also says that the giving of knowledge is a very good thing.  Knowledge cannot be stolen or destroyed, and with time it grows and continues giving happiness to many people.  I am grateful to the people who are teaching Ayurveda today and passing along this ancient wisdom.  Dr. Vasant Lad is the founder of the Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque New Mexico.  You can find out about his program at his website: ayurveda.com.  Dr. Marc Halpern is the founder of the California College of Ayurveda: ayurvedacollege.com.  We are very lucky to have Dr. Halpern as our Ayurveda expert on doshaspace.com.