Not very long ago, Sheffield University, studying the behaviour of heavenly bodies and recording the sounds emitted by them, concluded that the sound “Om” is the sound that the sun gives out. Of course, they called it the sound emitted from transverse pulling of the guitar string, but still no one has ever conducted such a research.
This university has reintroduced us to the power of Om, which has been called the eternal sound of creation by the Vedic masters.
The vedas are the source of all knowledge. Time and again, great men across cultures have turned back to the Vedas to find answer to the deepest secrets of creation, be it the working and properties of heavenly bodies, complex theories of science and geometry, or the quest to find a solution to an ageing body.
We are familiar with accounts of rishis and yogis having long lustrous hair, flawless body, glowing skin and youthful radiance. How is it that the Vedic masters could maintain their youth till the very end while modern men often struggle to hide their gray locks as early as 25?
Recently, Dr Michael Mosley of the BBC came up with a study that said eating less and fasting can lead to a longer lifespan. Prof. John Axelsson, Swedish Medical University, Karolinska, through his study, concluded that adequate sleep is the key to staying young. These studies, although incomplete and unable to address the issue of ageing in totality, are great efforts to reintroduce us to certain concepts, which were given by the Vedic rishis eons ago.
After two decades of extensive research on practically experiencing and seeing the working of various layers of the body, I have found that ageing works at a cellular level and touches upon all organ systems of the body. With every breath you take in, every activity you are engaged in and every thought that enters you, you are constantly ageing. Tackling ageing calls for taking the body as a whole and in totality, and not focusing on any one aspect, say diet or sleep, in isolation.
The book, Sanatan Kriya: The Ageless Dimension, which was written two years prior to these researches, addresses the issue of ageing in totality and discusses the concepts touched upon by Dr Mosley and Prof Axelsson in far greater detail. Here are two simple but holistic dietary tips to work your way towards anti-ageing by optimising the functioning of different organ-systems,
w Brahmi (for the nervous system and skin): Brahmi is not commonly available in fresh form, dried powder can be swallowed or one can take brahmi-ghrit (ghee medicated with brahmi and other herbs) regularly, which increases memory and intellect. It is a nervine tonic and brightens skin giving it radiance and suppleness.
w Garlic (for respiratory and circulatory systems): Garlic rejuvenates the respiratory organs, strengthening the functions of the heart and lowering blood pressure. Boil three to four garlic cloves in one cup of milk and add one-fourth cup of water and let it simmer for a few minutes, filter and drink before retiring for the day. People with high pitta can use green garlic (young whole plant) instead.
By practising certain yogic kriyas, you can remain at the peak of physical and mental functioning till your last breath. I am not saying that you will become physically immortal, but I am saying that you will live a healthy, active and fruitful life.
Yogi Ashwini, the guiding light of Dhyan Foundation, is an authority on yoga, tantra and the Vedic sciences.
Links:
[1] http://archive.asianage.com/yogi-ashwini-632
