AAPA (WATER)
Aapa mahabhuta confers fluidity to the human body. Water(Aapa) in nature is contained in the sea, lakes, rivers, well, clouds and rain. Water is essential for sustaining life. Water exerts a cooling effect on the environmental temperature.


ABHYASA (repetition)
It is repetition of either the words or the idea in order to get it fixed in the mind.


AGNI ('FIRE')
It is the element of fire. In the primordial state it is called 'tejas' with the quality of 'rupa' or form. The Sattva element of Agni(Fire) gives rise to the organ of sight or the eyes. The Rajas element of Agni(Fire) gives rise to the organs of locomotion or the feet.


AHANKARA ('EGOISM')
It is one of the four aspects of the antahakarana or the internal organ. Egoism is that aspect of the mind which gives the sense of individuality. Egoism is the product of the sattva-part of the five tanmatras or primordial elements.


AHIMSA ('NON-INJURY')
Non-injury or non-violence to life is one of the five cardinal moral principles listed under yama(restraint), the first of the eight steps of Yoga leading to samadhi or complete absorption.


AKASA (ETHER)
Akasa is the tanmatra or the primordial element of ether. Its basic quality is sabda or sound because it is the basis for the production of all sounds or vibrations. The Sattva aspect of Akasa produces the organ of hearing or srotra (the ear) The Rajas aspect of Akasa produces the organ of speech (or Vak) Akasa is called one of the panchamahabhutas (five basic, elements). Akasha Mahabhuta confers orifices to the human body. Akasha is an omnipresent and all pervading element, which serves as an abode to all the other four elements and objects in the universe. It is because of the Space(Akasha) that one can separate or differentiate objects or different parts of an object.


ANANDA ('BLISS')
Ananda is defined as the total and permanent absence of sorrow or misery. When the jiva is able to get rid of its ajnana or ignorance of its real nature through jnana or knowledge by practising preliminary disciplines like the sadhana chatustaya and appoaching a qualified guru or preceptor for the final instructions, jiva attains unalloyed bliss called 'ananda'


ANANDAMAYA KOSHA ('THE BLISS SHEATH')
Anandamaya kosha gets its name due to the experience of joy in susupti or deep sleep. Since Anandamaya kosha makes the jiva (the individual soul), forgets his pure nature as 'chaitanya' or consciousness, by covering jiva as it were, like a kosha or sheath, it is termed as a 'kosha'. Anandamaya kosha clings to the soul till the state of liberation.


ANNAMAYA KOSAH ('THE FOOD-SHEATH')
Annamaya kosha is the physical body born out of anna or food and nourished by food. Like a Kosha or sheath, it covers the jiva(self) and prevents the experience of jiva's true nature. Annamaya kosha is the first of the five such koshas (panchakoshas). Annamaya kosha is destroyed at death. Annamaya kosha is also called sthula sharira or the gross body.


ANTAHKARANA ('THE INTERNAL ORGAN')
It is the internal organ or instrument by which we experience thinking, feeling and willing and are able to remember things.


ANUMANA ('INFERENCE')
Anumana or inference is one of the three basic means of attaining knowledge, the other two being Pratyaksha (Direct perception) and Aagama(Scriptural testimony) Since fire and smoke are invariably associated with each other, we can infer the existence of fire at a distance - say on a hill- by just seeing smoke arising out there. This is an oft-quoted example for anumana.


AP (WATER)
Ap mahabhuta confers fluidity to the human body.


ASANA ('POSTURE')
Asana is the the third in the series of the eight limbs prescribed in the books on Yoga. Asana is the correct posture for practising meditation. Asana is the posture which can be maintained comfortbly for a pretty length of time.


ASAT ('THE UNREAL')
The word asat is used in several senses:
a. Asat is something that does not exist.
b. Asat is something which is constantly changing as a result of desha (place), kaala (time) and nimitta (causation), and impermanent object.
c. Asat is unmanifested, causal, state of a manifested object. For instance this world existed as 'asat' before manifesting itself through names and forms.


ASTEYA ('NON-STEALING')
Asteya or non-stealing means not taking any thing that does not lawfully belong to one. Asteya is a cardinal moral principal listed as the third yama, in a series of five under yama, the first step of Yoga.


ASTIKA ('ONE [ WHO BELIEVES ] IN THE AUTHORITY OF [ THE VEDAS ]' )
In the darsanas or philosophical systems, Astika is one who accepts the authority of the Srutis or the Vedas. In the darsanas or philosophical systems, Nastika is one who does not accept the authority of the srutis or the Vedas.


ATHARVAVEDA
Atharvaveda is claimed to be the Veda from which Ayurveda originates. Atharvaveda gives the maximum information for the
promotion of health.
prevention of diseases.
treatment of diseases.


ATMAN ('THE SELF')
Atman is more commonly used to indicate the individual self, the essential nature of the jivatman. Atman is also sat-cit-ananda (existence-knowledge-bliss absolute) Atman is often used as synonymn of Brahman.


AAVARANA ('COVERING')
Ajnana or Nescience, also called ignorance(ajnana), has two powers, that of Aavarana ('COVERING THE TRUE NATURE OF A THING') and Viksepa ('PROJECTING SOMETHING ELSE IN ITS PLACE')


AVASTHA ('STATE')
Avastha in a general way, indicates the state of consciousness, experienced by the jiva or individual soul.


AVASTHA-THRAYA ('THREE STATES')
Avastha-thraya refers to the three states of consciousness with which the jiva or the individual soul is associated, in its earthly existence, viz.,
Jagrat ('WAKING STATE')
Svapna ('DREAM STATE')
Susupti ('DEEP SLEEP STATE')


AVIDYA ('NON-KNOWLEDGE')
Avidya is another name for ajnana('IGNORANCE').


AVYAKTA ('THE UNMANIFEST')
Avyakta is one of the names used for the Isvara or God in the Vedantasara of Sadaananda. Avyakta is a state of Brahman associated with maaya, before the manifestation of creation.


APANA ('BREATHING OUT')
It is one of the five pranas (pancha pranas) or vital airs responsible for the functioning of the organs of excretion, and rooted in the same, as well as the organs of generation. The five pranas (Pancha pranas) are produced out of the rajas-aspect of the tanmatras or primordial elements.


APARIGRAHA ('NON-ACCEPTANCE')
Aparigraha or non-acceptance of gifts from others is one of the five basic moral disciplines under yama, which itself is the first of the eight steps of Yoga given by Sage Patanjali in his Yoga-sutras, a treatise on Raja Yoga.


APAS ('WATER')
It is the fourth of the five tanmatras or primordial elements. Apas ('water')is characterised by rasa or taste and hence apas (water) known as 'rasatanmatra' also. Apas(water) in its gross state as one of the five bhutas (panchamahabhutas) it contains traces of the other four elements also due to undergoing the process of panchikarana or quintuplication. In the process of creation the sattva aspect of apas (water) produces the organ of taste, rasanendriya or jihva, the tongue. The rajas-aspect of apas (water) generates the organs of excretion.


ARTHA ('MEANING')
Three ways of determining the meaning are normally accepted: Vacyartha or direct meaning, vyangyartha or suggested meaning, and laksyartha or implied meaning.


ASTHI
Bones.


AVASTHA ('STATE')
In a general way, it indicates the state of consciousness, experienced by the jiva or individual soul. AVIDYA ('NON-KNOWLEDGE'): It is another name for ajnana or ignorance.


AYURVEDA
According to Caraka, Ayurveda is not only a science of medicine but Ayurveda deals with all aspects of the living process The aim of Ayurveda is to give guidelines for maintenance and promotion of health as well as for prevention and treatment of diseases.


BAD HABITS - GIVING UP( CHARAKA'S COMPENDIUM )
An intelligent man should give up a bad habit one step at a time, and adopt a good habit one step at a time. When taking up the good and giving up the bad, each step should consist of a quarter part, and these should be at intervals first of one day interval, and thereafter at intervals of two and then three days interval. Existing bad things(habits) should be given up gradually: Bad habits(things) will not recur, if bad habits are given up gradually. Good things(habits) should be taken up gradually: Good habits(things) will become unshakeable if good habits are taken up gradually.


BRAHMACHARYA ('CONTINENCE')
Brahmacharya signifies control of all bodily instincts. This is one of the five moral disciplines listed under yama, the first of the eight steps of Yoga.


BRAHMAN ('THE BIG OR THE INFINITE')
Brahman is described as 'sat' (pure existence), 'chit'(pure consciousness) and 'ananda'(Pure Bliss)


BUDDHI ('INTELLECT')
Buddhi is one of the four aspects of antahkarana or internal organ. Discrimination, deliberation on the pros and cons, is buddhi's chief characteristic. Jiva or individual soul is actually the reflection of Atman (the pure consciousness) in the buddhi.


CALCIUM
Calcium absorption is reduced when the diet includesan excess of red meats, eggs, cheese, chocolates. Exercise improves the bone uptake of calcium. Magnesium keeps calcium soluble and is present in nuts, seeds, and pulses.


CALCIUM - FUNCTIONS
Calcium helps in coagulation of blood and muscular contractility.


CAITANYA ('CONSCIOUSNESS')
Caitanya, consciousness or knowledge is the very essence of the Brahman-Atman entity.


CAKSUS ('THE EYE')
Caksus (the eye) is one of the five jnanendriyas or organs of knowledge or perception. Apprehending rupa or forms of objects is the characteristic of Caksus(the eye). The sattva element of Agni gives rise to the organ of sight, caksus(the eye). caksus(the eye) is the most important organ involved in pratyaksa('direct perception')


CARBOHYDRATES
Carbohydrates may be derived from grains, beans, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables while minimising the consumption of sugars present in dairy foods, refined sugars and some artificial sweeteners Carbohydrates function - Carbohydrates provide energy. CHANDRAYANA ('RELATED TO THE MOON'): Chandrayan consists in gradually decreasing the quantity of food from the full-moon day to total fasting on the new-moon day and again reversing the process.


CHATURVIDHA SHARIRA - ('FOUR-FOLD BODIES')
The bodies of living beings have been classified into four groups depending upon their origin:
Jaraayuja ('BORN OF THE WOMB')
Andaja ('BORN OF THE EGG')
Svedaja ('BORN OUT OF MOISTURE')
Udbhijja ('BORN OUT OF THE SOIL')


CHRONIC DISEASES
One of the most significant detrimental effects of moder-day technology has been an increase in chronic diseases ( e.g., Hypertension, Heart Disease, Chronic Low Back Pain, and Obesity ) which are related to a lack of physical activity along with negative lifestyle habits.


CIT ('CONSCIOUSNESS')
Pure consciousness, the essential nature of Brahman or Atman, is called 'CIT'


CITTA ('MIND STUFF')
Citta is one of the four aspects of antahkarana('INTERNAL ORGAN, RESPONSIBLE FOR MEMORY') The word is also used in a more general way to indicate the mind.


CITTA SUDDHI ('PURITY OF MIND')
According to Vedanta, an aspirant acquires competence to practice vedanta only after getting cittasuddhi ('PURITY OF MIND'), by performing prayaschitta-karmas('expiations') and discharging the nitya-naimittika-karmas(daily and ocassional obligatory duties.)


COOKING UTENSILS
Stainless steel utensils (vessels) are preferable to aluminium vessels ( utensils ). The reason is the aluminium vessels slowly poisons the system and causes dryness of the mucous membranes, causes constipation, causes degeneration of nerves. Non-stick pans - If non-stick pans show signs of erosion, the eroded non-stick pan should be discarded, before the chemicals in its composition enter the food.


COOKING METHODS (HEALTHY)
  Cover the vessel while cooking food to reduce the loss of volatile nutrients.
  Add a minimum amount of water to reduce the loss of water soluble nutrients.
  Boil the water before adding the vegetables to shorten cooking time.
  Prepare food before serving to avoid the loss of nutrients on reheating.


DAMA ('RESTRAINT')
Dama signifies restraint of the five organs of knowledge ('Jnanendriyas) and the five organs of action ('Karmendriyas') from all activities except those conducive to the main Vedantic sadhanas of sravana ('Hearing'), Manana ('Reflection') and Nididhyasana ('Meditation')


DHARANA ('FIXING')
Dharana is listed as the sixth of the eight limbs of Yoga. Dharana is fixing the mind on the object of contemplation. Dharana is the first step of serious meditation, leading to the next step, dhyana('Dhyana').


DHARMA ('BASIC NATURE' or 'RIGHTEOUSNESS')
Dharma generally denotes righteousness as also actions prescribed by the scriptures for the people in various stages of life or following different vocations. Dharma is the basic virtue in life to be pracdtised by all. Dharma's nature or characteristics can be known only by scriptures.


DHYANA ('MEDITATION')
Dhyana is the penultimate step in the practice of Astanga-Yoga or the eight-limbed Yoga. In the Dhyana state, the mind flows freely and continuously, like the oil poured from one vessel into another, towards the object of contemplation. In Dhyana, the succeeding mental waves are absolutely identical with the preceding ones.


DIETARY FIBRE
Dietary fibre includes the insoluble cellulose found in the cell walls of grains, vegetables and fruits and in endosperm of seeds. Dietary fibre provides bulk to the faeces which facilitates in the propulsion of the faeces, modifies cholesterol metabolism and neutralises various irritants and toxins that accumulate in the intestinal lining.


DIGESTION (Traditional System of Medicine)
After food goes through physical changes like softening, breaking up, etc. the food undergoes three changes in its chemical composition, thus resulting in Sweet, Sour and Pungent tastes in three different stages. In the Second stage of this process, there is a secretion of limpid Bile and In the Third stage there is a production of gas. After this gastro-intestinal digestion, food is absorbed into the system and made homologous after getting digested further by bhutagnis or enzymes specific to each mahabhuta.


DINACHARYA
The regimen to be followed during day.


ECOLOGICAL BALANCE
To maintain ecological balance one needs to protect forests, trees, try to avoid or reduce hazardous wastes, save energy, make efforts to conserve water and use judiciously.


SAVE TREES FOR ECOLOGICAL BALANCE
  Use recycle paper from newspapers, magazines, junk mail
  Use water instead of toilet paper.
  Use cloth rags instead of paper towels
  Use cloth bags instead of paper bags.


REDUCE HAZARDOUS WASTES FOR ECOLOGICAL BALANCE
  Use reusable containers
  Use a phosphate-free detergent
  Use latex-paint instead of an oil-based paint.
  Use cloth diapers instead of disposable ones which can take 500 years to decompose in a land fill and pose a potential problem: contamination of ground water by viruses from the untreated faeces
  Tune the engine of the car regularly


SAVE ENERGY FOR ECOLOGICAL BALANCE
  Turn off lights when not in use
  Install compact flourescents
  Clean burners regularly: yellow flame indicates the need for servicing.
FATS: Fats from grains, pulses, nuts and seeds constitute the "invisible fats" and provide 50 % of the fat requirement. 50% of the remaining fats may be derived from cooking oils and fats containing a high percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids also called "essential fatty acids". FATS - FUNCTION: Fats provide energy, fats insulate, fats support organs to protect themselves from damage by low temperatures and trauma. Fats assist absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, K.

FITNESS
Fitness is defined as the general capacity to adapt and respond favourably to physical effort. This implies that individuals are physically fit when they can meet ordinary as well as the unusual demands of daily life safely and effectively without being overly fatigued and still have energy left for leisure and recreational activities.

FITNESS
Fitness needs, vary significantly from one person to the other. Consequently, exercise presecriptions should be indivisualised to obtain optimal results. The Health - related components of physical fitness are :
Cardiovascular endurance
Muscular strength and endurance
Muscular flexibility
Body composition.


FITNESS( Cardiovascular Endurance)
Cardiovascular endurance, cardiovascular fitness, or aerobic fitness has been defined as the ability of the lungs, heart, and blood vessels to deliver adequate amounts of oxygen and nutrients to the cells to meet the demands of prolonged physical activity. As a person breathes, part of the oxygen contained in ambient air is taken up in the lungs and transported in the blood to the heart. The heart is then responsible for pumping the oxygenated blood through the circulatory system to all organs and tissues of the body. At the cellular level, oxygen is used to convert food substrates, primarily carbohydrates and fats, into energy necessary for physical activity, body functions, and to maintain a constant internal equilibrium. Activities which promote Cardiovascular or Aerobic Fitness : Walking, Jogging, Yoga, Cycling, Rowing, Swimming, Cros-country skiing, Aerobic Dance, Soccer, Basket ball, and racquet ball.
Benefits of Cardiovascular Exercise Program:
Decrease in resting Heart Rate.
Decrease in Blood pressure
Decrease in Blood lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides)
Decrease in recovery time following exercise
Decrease in risk for hypokinetic diseases ( Diseases associated with physical inactivity and sedentary living).
Increase in Cardiac muscle strength.
Increase in oxygen-carrying capacity in the body.


FITNESS (Cardiovascular Endurance)
Cardiovascular endurance has been defined as the ability of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels to supply oxygen and nutrients to the cells to meet the demands of prolonged physical activity (aerobic exercise). Cardiovascular endurance is determined by the maximal amount of oxygen that the human body is able to utilize per minute of physical activity. Since all tissues and organs of the body utilize oxygen to function, a higher amount of oxygen consumption indicates a more efficient cardiovascular system. A poorly conditioned cardiovascular system is subject to more wear-and-tear than a well-conditioned cardiovascular system. Regular participation in Cardiovascular endurance activities helps achieve and maintain ideal body weight.


FITNESS (ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE CARDIOVASCULAR ENDURANCE)
The type of exercise that develops the cardiovascular system should be aerobic in nature. The objective of aerobic training is to improve the capacity of the cardiovascular system. Just as the Biceps muscle in the upper arm is developed by doing strength-training exercises, the heart muscle also has to be exercised to increase in size, strength, and efficiencey. Acctivities which will enhance cardiovascular endurance are Walking, Jogging, aerobic dancing, water aerobics, swimming, rope skipping, cycling, racquet ball, stair climbing, and stationary running or cycling, Yoga.


FITNESS (High level of Cardiovascular Endurance)
During prolonged physical activity, an individual with a high level of Cardiovascular Endurance is able to deliver the required amount of oxygen to the tissues with realtive ease.


FITNESS (Low level of Cardiovascular Endurance)
The Cardiovascular system of a person with a low level of cardiovascular endurance would have to work much harder, since the heart would have to pump more often to supply the same amount of oxygen to the tissues, and consequently would fatigue faster.


FITNESS( Muscular strength / Endurance)
Muscular strength and endurance are important components of total physical fitness and have become an integral part of everyone's life.


FITNESS ( Muscular strength )
Muscular strength is defined as the ability of a muscle (or group of muscles) to exert maximum force against resistance.


FITNESS ( Muscular Endurance )
Muscular endurance is the ability of a muscle to exert submaximal force repeatedly over a period of time. Muscular endurance depends to a large extent on muscular strength, and to a lesser extent on cardiovascular endurance.


FITNESS ( Muscular strength and/or endurance - Over load Principle )
The overload principle states that for strength and /or endurance improvements to occur, the demands placed on the muscle must be systematically and progressively increased over a period of time, and the resistance must be of a magnitude significant enough to cause physiologic adaptation.


FITNESS ( Improving Muscular strength - Isometric or Static training )
Isometric or static training refers to a muscular contraction producing little or no movement, such as pushing or pulling against immovable objets.


FITNESS ( Improving Muscular strength - Isotonic or Dynamic training )
Isotonic training programs can be conducted without weights or with free weights (barbells and dumbbells), fixed resistance machines, variable resistance machines, and isokinetic equipment. When a person performs isotonic exercises without weights (e.g., pull ups, push-ups), with free weights, or with fixed resistance machines, a constant resistance (weight) is moved through a joint's full range of motion. The greatest resistance (weight) that can be lifted equals the maximum weight that can be moved at the weakest angle of the joint.
Advantage : The primary advantage of Isotonic training is that muscular strength gains occur through the joint's full range of motion. Most daily activities are isotonic in nature. We are constantly lifting, pushing, and pulling objects, where strength is needed through a joint's full range of motion. Another advantage is that improvements are easily measured by the amount lifted.


FITNESS ( Improving Muscular strength - Isokinetic and Variable resistance training. )
Isokinetic and Variable resistance training programs require the use of special machines equipped with mechanical devices that provide a variable resistance, with the intent of overloading the muscle group maximally through the entire range of motion. A distinction of isokinetic training is that the speed of the muscular contraction is kept constant because the machine provides an accommodating resistance to match the user's force through the range of motion.


FITNESS ( Pain )
Pain is nature's way of our body letting us know that something is wrong. If we experience pain or undue discomfort during or following exercise, we need to slow down or discontinue our exercise program and notify the expert. We will be able to prevent potential injuries by paying attention to pain signals and making adjustments accordingly.


FITNESS ( Muscular Hypertrophy )
If specific muscles cells are overloaded beyond their normal use, such as in strength-training programs, the muscle cells will increase in size (hypertrophy), strength, and/or endurance.


FITNESS ( Muscular Atrophy )
If the demands placed on the muscle cells decrease, such as in sedentary living or required rest due to illness or injury, the muscle cells will decrease in size (atrophy ) and lose strength.


FITNESS ( Weak Muscles )
Weak muscles cannot repeat an action several times, nor sustain it for a prolonged period of time.


FITNESS ( Muscular Flexibility )
Muscular Flexibility is defined as the ability of a joint to move freely through its full range of motion. The amount of flexibility possessed by individuals is limited by factors such as joint structure, ligaments, tendons, muscles, skin, tissue injury, adipose tissue, body temperature, age, gender, and index of physical activity. The degree of muscular flexibility possessed by an individual seems to be determined by heredity and exercise. Lack of muscular flexibility leads to muscular / skeletal problems and injuries, especially among adults. Ageing decreases the extensibility of soft tissue, resulting in decreased flexibility. The most significant contributors to decrements in flexibility are sedentary living and lack of physical activity. Improving and maintaining good joint range of motion throughout life is an important factor in the enhancement of health and quality of life. Lack of physical activity leads to lack of elasticity in muscles, and tendons and ligaments tighten and shorten.


FITNESS (Body Composition)
The term "body composition" is used in reference to the fat and non-fat components of the body. The fat component(Body Composition) is referrred to as fat mass or percent body fat. The non-fat component(Body Composition) is referred to as lean body mass.


FITNESS (Body Composition)
Good Body composition is essential in the achievement and maintenance of good Health.


FITNESS (Obesity)
Obesity has become a health hazard in most developed countries around the world. Obesity by itself has been associated with several serious health problems. Obesity has long been recognised as a major risk factor for diseases of the cardiovascular system, including coronary heart disease, hypertension, congestive heart failure, elevated blood lipids, atherosclerosis, strokes, thromboembolitic disease, varicouse veins, and intermittent claudications.


FITNESS (Total Fat)
Total Fat in the human body is two types:

1. Essential Fat : The essential fat is needed for normal physiological functions, and without it, human health would deteriorate. Men - This essential fat constitutes about 3 percent of the total weight in men. Women - This essential fat constitutes about 12 percent in women. The percentage is higher in women because it includes specific fat found in the breast tissue, the uterus, and other fat deposits.

2. Storage Fat : Storage fat constitutes the fat that is stored in adipose tissue, mostly beneath the skin (subcutaneous fat) and around major organs in the body.


FITNESS (Body Compositon Assessment)
The assessment of body composition is most frequently done using skinfold thickness. Skinfold thickness Assessment technique, is based on the principle that approximately 50 percent of the fatty tissue in the body is deposited directly beneath the skin. If this tissue is estimated validly and reliably, a good indication of percent body fat can be obtained. Test: This test is regularly performed with the aid of pressure calipers, and several sites must be measured to reflect the total percentage of fat.


FITNESS (Skin-fold thickness Assessment sites for Women are)
Triceps skin-fold thickness : The correct landmark for Triceps skin-fold thickness, is a vertical fold on the back of the upper arm, halfway between the shoulder and the arm for women. Supra ilium skin-fold thickness : The correct landmark for Supra-ilium skin-fold thickness, is a diagonal fold above the crest of the ilium (on the side of the hip) for women. Thigh skin-fold thickness : The correct landmark for Thigh skin-fold thickness, is a diagonal fold on the front of the thigh, midway between the knee and the hip for women.


FITNESS (Skin-fold thickness Assessment sites for Men are)
Chest skin-fold thickness : The correct landmark for Chest skin-fold thickness, is a diagonal fold halfway between the shoulder crease and the nipple for men. Abdomen skin-fold thickness : The correct landmark for Abdomen skin-fold thickness, is a vertical fold about one inch to the right of the umbilicus for men. Thigh skin-fold thickness : The correct landmark for Thigh skin-fold thickness, is a diagonal fold on the front of the thigh,mid-way between the knee and the hip for men.


FITNESS ( ADVANTAGES OF REGULAR FLEXIBILITY PROGRAM)
1. Helps the person to maintain good joint mobility.
2. Increases resistance to muscle injury and soreness.
3. Prevents low back and other spinal column problems.
4. Improves and maintains good postural alignment
5. Enhances proper and graceful body movement.
6. Improves personal appearance and self image.
7. Facilitates the development and maintenance of motor skills throughout life.


FITNESS (Flexibility Exercises)
Flexibility exercises have been used successfully in the treatment of patients suffering from dysmenorrhea and general neuromuscular tension.


FITNESS (Body Composition)
The term "body composition" is used in reference to the fat and non-fat components of the body. The fat component(Body Composition) is referrred to as fat mass or percent body fat. The non-fat component(Body Composition) is referred to as lean body mass.


FITNESS (Exercise Prescription)
A key principle in exercise prescription is that all exercise programs must be individualised to obtain optimal results. Since each individual is unique, the fitness levels and needs vary among individuals, hence individualised exercise programs are effective to obtain optimal results.


FOODS(Traditional System of Medicine)
Foods and drugs as well as the human body are composed of the same basic five elements viz., Prithvi, Ap, Tejas, Vayu and Akasa.


GANDHA ('SMELL')
Gandha in its gross state represents prithvi or the earth, with the quality of gandha. Gandha's sattva-aspect evolves into the organ of smell, ghranendriya(nose). Gandha is used in the vedantic texts to indicate smell as well as the tanmatra or primordial element, possessing the exclusive characteristic of smell.


GHRANA ('THE ORGAN OF SMELL')
Ghrana is one of the five jnanendriyas('organs of knowledge'), the last in the series, responsible for apprehending smell. Ghrana, is the product of the sattva-aspect of gandha-tanmatra, the primordial element characterised by smell.


GITA ('SONG [CELESTIAL]')
Vedantadarshana is based on the three basic scriptures called Prasthanatraya. Prasthanatraya are
  The Upanishads
  The Brahmasutras
  The Bhagavadgita(' also called the Gita.')


GUNAS ('QUALITIES')
Guna in the ordinary usage means a quality like sweetness of honey. In the Vedanta and Sankhya systems, Guna is particularly employed to indicate sattva, rajas and tamas, the three fundamental elemental materials that comprise prakruti, the Mother Nature, or matrix of the created universe.


GURU ('THE PRECEPTOR')
Guru, the word itself meaning 'one who dispels the darkness of our ignorance'. In any field of life, acquistion of knowledge and competence of a science invariably needs the help of a proper teacher(Guru or guide)


HEALTH(Traditional System of Medicine)
Good Health is described as the sine qua non for performing virtuous acts like earning wealth, satisfying passion and attaining salvation.


HUMAN LIFE (Traditional System of Medicine)
Charak states that the aim of human life is four fold:

1. DHARMA
i.e., to live a life taking into consideration what is good and what is bad, what is right and what is wrong and follow the good as well as righteous path as dictated by the rules of religion.

2. ARTHA
i.e., acquiring wealth is a means for attaining worldly happiness.

3. KAMA
i.e., fulfilment of all the desires including sex, thus leading a happy life. While acquiring wealth and fulfilling one's desires one should not deviate from the righteous path i.e. dharma.

4. MOKSHA
Moksha is attaining a state of eternal happiness and getting rid of the cycles of life and death, which is the ultimate goal of all the philosophers.


HUMAN LIFE (Traditional System of Medicine): Human life is divided into

IRON
Iron cookware, citrus fruits and vegetables increase absorption of iron. Red meats, soft drinks, aerated drinks, black tea and coffee reduce the absroption of iron.


IRON-FUNCTIONS
Iron in the form of heamoglobin helps carry oxygen to tissues.


ISVARAPRANIDHANA ('DEVOTION TO ISVARA, GOD,')
Isvarapranidhana is the last of the disciplines listed under niyama, the second step of astangayoga or eight limbed yoga. This devotion to God(Isvarapranidhana) includes offering the fruits of all actions.


JARAYUJA('BORN OF THE WOMB')
The first of a series of four types of bodies of living beings, it represents the bodies of mammals born out of the womb.


JIHVA ('THE TONGUE')
The organ of taste, also called 'rasanam' or 'rasanendriya' , it is the fourth of the panchajnanendriyas or five organs of perception. Jihva is formed out of the sattva-aspect of the rasatanmatra or apas or the primordial water.


JIVA ('THE LIVING BEING')
All the living beings in the state of bondage and undergoing transmigration are called, 'jivas'. According to Vedanta, the jiva is a reflection of the caitanya or pure consciousness in the antahkarana or internal organ, or buddhi, the intellect. The jiva has
  Three types of bodies('trividhasharira'):
  Five sheaths ('panchakoshas')
  Three states of consciousness ('avastha-traya')
Jiva's bondage is caused by ajnana or ignorance.
Jiva can get liberation through jnana or spirtual knowledge.


JNANA ('KNOWLEDGE')
Being derived from the root 'jna' ('to know') the word jnana means knowledge.


JNANASAKTI ('POWER OF KNOWLEDGE')
The three powers of Hiranyagarbha:
  Jnanasakti
  Icchasakti
  kriyasakta


JNANENDRIYAS ('ORGANS OF KNOWLEDGE OR PERCETION')
We gain empirical knowledge through the five sense-organs, viz., Eyes, Ears, Nose, Tongue and Skin. Hence they are termed as indriyas or sense-organs, giving jnana or knowledge, or jnanendriyas. Jnanendriyas are the evolutes of the sattva-part of the five primordial elements or tanmatras as follows:
Akasa or Ether - Srotra, organ of hearing ( Ear.)
Vayu or Air - Sparsha, organ of touch ( Skin )
Agni or Fire - Rupa, organ of seeing forms ( Eyes )
Apas or water - Rasa, organ of taste ( Tongue )
Prithvi or Earth - Gandha organ of smell (Nose )


KAPHA
The chief centre of kapha is chest. Kapha is responsible for firmness, plumpness, enthusiasm, virility, knowledge and intelligence. Kapha's period of maximum activity is in the morning ( 6am. to 10 am.) & early part of the night ( 6pm. to 10 pm.) The word 'Kapha' is derived from the two letters 'Ka' (water) and 'pha' (flourishes). Thus Kapha means that which flourishes in the presence of water. The biological element Kapha is derived from two basic physical elements namely earth and water. The word 'shleshma' is a synonym of kapha and is derived from the verb 'shlish' means 'to embrace' The main sites of Kapha are body fluids, chest, fatty tissues, joints, respiratory and gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and head. Physical Characteristics of Kapha: Kapha molecules are cold to touch, white in colour and predominantly have a sweet and slightly salty taste. All the cells, tissues and organs of the body are predominantly composed of Kapha element. The five varieties of Kapha are: Kledaka, Avalambaka, Bodhaka, Tarpaka and Shleshaka Kapha

KARANA SARIRA ('CAUSAL BODY')
karana sarira or causal body is nothing but ajnana (Ignoranace). The Jiva is said to have three types of sariras or bodies: sthula sarira, suksma sarira and karana sarira.


KARMA ('ACTION')
Karma generally means any action. In a more technical sense, karma stands for the results of actions - good or bad - done by a human being. Such Karma is of three types:
Sancita Karma (the accumulated)
Prarabdha Karma ( that which has begun to give its fruits)
Anarabdha Karma ( that which may be done in future)


KARMENDRIYAS ('ORGANS OF ACTION')
The five sense organs responsible for karma or action are :
  Vaak (speech) Karmendriya
  Paani (Hands) Karmendriya
  Paada (Feet) Karmendriya
  Paayu (excretory organ) Karmendriya
  Upastha (organ of reproduction) Karmendriya

The Karmendriyas are the products of Rajas aspect of the five tanmatras or primordial elements, as follows:
Rajas aspect of Akasa( Ether ) - gives rise to Vaak ( Speech )
Rajas aspect of Vaayu ( Air ) - gives rise to Paani ( Hands )
Rajas aspect of Agni ( Fire ) - gives rise to Paada ( Feet )
Rajas aspect of Aapas ( Water ) - gives rise to Paayu ( Excretory organ )
Rajas aspect of Prithvi ( Earth ) - gives rise to Upastha ( Organ of reproduction )


KOSHA ('SHEATH')
Just as a sheath covers a sword and hides it, the physical body, mind, etc., cover the Atman. Hence they are called 'kosha' or sheath. There are five koshas(Pancha koshas)


LIFE(Traditional System of Medicine)
According to Charaka, the three important pursuits of life are:
1. Longevity
2. Wealth
3. Well-being including salvation in the next life.


MAHABHUTAS ('THE GREAT ELEMENTS')
They are the five gross elements, viz., Prithvi(Earth), apas(Water), tejas(Fire), or agni, vaayu(Air) and aakasha(Ether), born out of the five tanmatras (primordial elements) by the process of pancikarana or quintuplicaton. Hence each of the five elements has a part of the other four.


MAJJA
Bone Marrow - both red and yellow.


MAMSA
Muscle


MANAS (('MIND')
Mind is an aspect of the antahkarana or internal organ, responsible for sankalpa or general thinking, including willing and vikalpa or doubting. Manas is an evolute of the combined sattva-aspect of all the five tanmatras or primordial elements.


MANOMAYA KOSHA ('THE MIND-SHEATH')
The manas ( mind ), along with the panchajnanendriyas( the five organs of knowledge ), form the 'Manomaya kosha' ('the sheath of mind'). Like a sheath, manomaya kosha covers and hides the real nature of the Atman or the self. Manomaya kosha is a part of the suksma-sarira (also called linga-sarira), the subtle body, the other two parts being pranamya kosha(sheath of vital airs) and vijnanamayakosha(sheath of intellect)


MAYA ('ILLUSORY POWER')
Maya also called as ajnana or avidya ('Ignorance or Nescience')


MEDAS
fat


MOTOR SKILL - RELATED FITNESS
The motor skill-related aspects of fitness are of greater significance in Athletics. In addition to Cardiovascular endurance, Muscular strength and endurance, Flexibility, Body Composition Motor skill-related fitness includes Agility, Balance, Coordination, Power, Reaction time, and Speed.


MUKTI ('LIBERATION')
Mukti is the state of freedom or liberation from all bonds created by ajnana ('Ignorance') or Maya ('illusory power'), it is characterized by bliss and cessation of rebirth. Moksha, kaivalya and nirvana are some of the other names normally used to describe mukti state.


MUMUKSU ('ONE DESIROUS OF LIBERATION')
Acccording to the saddarsanas or the six systems of Indian philosophy the real bondage for a soul is its being encased in a body, whether human or nonhuman. Hence moksa or mukti is permanent liberation from rebirth and regaining the original state. The desire for such moksa is 'mumuksutva' or 'mumuksa' and one who possesses such a desire is 'mumksu'


MUMUKSUTVA (' DESIRE FOR LIBERATION')
This is the last of the four sadhanas or spiritual practices called 'sadhana-catustaya' and the most important qualification needed by the student of Vedanta.


NAIMITTIKA - KARMA ('OCASSIONAL DUTIES')
Obligatory duties to be performed on special ocassions like birth and death in a family are called 'naimittika-karmas'


NIDIDHYASANA ('MEDITATION')


SAVIKALPA SAMADHI
Savikalpa Samadhi is the consciousness of one's own personality as distinct from Brahman, persists, however attenuated it may be.


NIRVAKALPA SAMADHI
Nirvikalpa Samadhi state, however , all awareness of multiplicity including that of oneself as distinct from Brahman, is completely dissolved.


NISIDDHA - KARMA ('PROHIBITED ACTIONS')
Sinful deeds, since they make the mind impure and hence unfit for spiritual enlighenment, have been prohibited by the scriptures.


NIYAMA ('RESTRAINT')
Second step of the eight fold Yoga, niyama comprises :
  Sauca (Cleanliness)
  Santosa (Contentment)
  Tapas (Austerity)
  Svadhyaya (Self-study of scriptures)
  Isvarapranidhana (devotion to God)

Niyama help to restrain the mind from evil deeds and engage it in spiritually good pursuits.

NUTRIENT
A nutrient is a substance essential for life and growth.


PADA ('THE FOOT')
Pada is one of the five karmendriyas or organs of action formed by the rajas aspect of all the five tanmatras or primordial elements.


PANCAKOSHAS (' THE FIVE SHEATHS')
Those factors of our personality which cover or hide - like a sheath covering a sword - the Atman, are called 'Koshas'. The koshas are five in number
  ANNAMAYA KOSHA ( 'SHEATH OF FOOD, THE PHYSICAL BODY' )
  PRANAMAYA KOSHA ( 'SHEATH OF VITAL AIRS' )
  MANOMAYA KOSHA ( 'SHEATH OF MIND' )
  VIJNANAMAYA KOSHA ( 'SHEATH OF INTELLECT' )
  ANANDAMAYA KOSHA ( 'SHEATH OF BLISS' )

Pranamaya Kosha, Manomaya Kosha and Vijnanamaya Kosha form the suksmasarira or the subtle body, responsible for transmigration.


PANCHA PRANAS ( 'THE FIVE VITAL AIRS' )
The five vital airs are Prana, apana, vyana, udana and samana. The combination of the rajas quality of 5 basic elements in pure form gives rise to "Panch prana".

1. Prana : Controls inspiration and oxygenation of all the body cells.
2. Udana : Controls actions like expiration and speech.
3. Samana: Controls peristalsis of the intestines.
4. Vyana : Controls all the voluntary and involuntary activities of the body including rhythmic contraction of the Heart.
5. Apana : Controls the excretory activities like micturition and defaecation, ejaculation of semen and delivery of foetus.


PANCIKARANA ('PROCESS OF QUINTIPLICATION')
The process by which each of the panchamahabhuta( five great elements ) is formed out of the panchatanmatras (five primordial elements) is called Pancikarana. Each former element - because of this - contains half of the corresponding tanmatra and one-eigth of each of the other four. For instance,

Because of this pancikarana, each of the mahabhutas contains a part of the other four bhutas and hence their characteristics.


PANI ('THE HAND')
Pani is one of the five karmendriyas or organs of action, pani (the hand) is formed out of the rajas-aspect of the tanmatras or primordial elements.


PARMATMAN ('THE SUPREME SELF')
In the Advaita system of Vedanta, Brahman, the Absolute, is also called as 'Paramatman',


PHYSICAL EXERCISE ( CHARAKA'S COMPENDIUM )
Physical exercise is defined as intentional movement of the body undertaken to gain firmness and an increase in strength. One should practise physical exercise in a measured way. Physical exercise causes lightness, the power to work hard, firmness, an ability to bear discomfort, a diminution of the humours, and an increase in the fire of digestion.


PHYSICAL EXERCISE-EXCESSIVE (CHARAKA'S COMPENDIUM)
Excess physical exercise causes exertion, tiredness, depletion, thirst, blood-bile, breathlessness, coughing, feverishness, and vomiting. An intelligent person does not make a habit of over-indulgence even in acceptable things such as exercise, laughter, talking, travelling, village behaviour, or staying up all night. A person who indulges to excess in exercise, laughter, talking, travelling, village behaviour, or staying up all night and similar activities will perish violently, like a lion tugging at an elephant.


PHYSICAL FITNESS
Physical fitness can be classified into two categories:

1. Health-related Fitness
2. Motor skill-related Fitness

From Health point of view, there are four components of Physical Fitness. They are:

1. Cardiovascular Endurance
Cardiovascular endurance is the ability of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels to supply oxygen and nutritients to the muscles for sustained exercise.

2. Muscular Strength and Endurance
Muscular strength and endurance is the ability of the muscles to generate force.

3. Flexibility
Flexibility is the capacity of a joint to move freely through a full range of motion.

4. Body composition
Body composition is the amount of lean body mass and adipose tissue (fat mass) found in the human body.


PHYSICAL FITNESS AND WELLNESS
The benefits of physical fitness and wellness are

1. Improves and strengthens the cardiovascular system (improves oxygen supply to all parts of the body, including the heart, muscles, and the brain ).
2. Improves muscular tone, muscular strength, and muscular endurance.
3. Improves muscular flexibility.
4. Helps maintain ideal body weight.
5. Improves posture and physical appearance.
6. Decreases the risk for chronic Diseases and illnesses ( Heart disease, Strokes, High Blood pressure, Pulmonary disease, Arthritis etc., )
7. Relieves tension and helps in coping with stresses of life.
8. Increases levels of energy and job productivity.
9. Slow down the aging process.
10. Improves self-image and morale and aids in fighting depression.
11. Motivates towards positive lifestyle changes (better nutrition, smoking cessation, alcohol and drug abuse control.)
12. Decreases recovery time following physical exertion.
13. Speeds up recovery following injury and/or disease.
14. Regulates and improves overall body functions.
15. Eases the process of childbearing and childbirth.
16. Improves quality of life.


PHYSICIAN(Traditional System of Medicine)
According to Caraka, a physician should have good wishes and compassion for patients.


PITTA
The word 'Pitta' is derived from the word "tapa", which means to heat. Pitta's maximum activity is during afternoon ( 10 am. to 2pm.) & midnight ( 10pm. to 2 am. ) Pitta represents energy, heat or fire in the body. Pitta is the biological combination of energy or heat and liquid. The energy is the active principle whereas liquid acts as a vehicle. This is important as energy in the pure form will destroy the body. The chief centre in the body for Pitta is small intestine including stomach. Pitta helps in digestion and metabolism. Pitta helps in manifestation of vision, complexion, courage, apprehension, anger, happiness, illusion, pleasure etc. Pitta molecules because of their active energy element tend to break the bigger kapha molecules into smaller ones and increase the motion of vata molecules. The process of digestion in the gastro-intestinal tract and in the tissues is taken care by the means of various digestive and tissue enzymes, designated collectively as 'Pitta'. The equivalent to the word Enzymes is 'Dhatuagni', Dhatu meaning tissues and 'Agni' meaning enzymes. Pitta is liquid in consistency and hence is mobile. Pitta is pungent and sour in taste, and has a strong and foul smell. In Pitta, if energy element is dominant, it tends to move upward whereas in Pitta, if the liquid element is dominant, it moves in the direction of gravity. Pitta dominates in adults All the metabolic activities of the body and mind depend on pitta. Pitta's main sites are digestive tract, body fluids, blood, sweat, skin, eyes and brain. There are five sub-types of Pitta:

1. PACHAKA PITTA
Gastro-intestinal tract is the seat of Pachaka Pitta. Pachaka pitta is represented by all the enzymes of the gastrointestinal tract from ptyalin in saliva to the enzymes in succus entericus Pachaka Pitta's function is to digest and to differentiate the digested food products into the useful part i.e., " Sara " and waste product i.e., " Kitta ".

2. RANJAKA PITTA
Ranjaka pitta's main sites are the liver, spleen, stomach and small intestines. Ranjaka pitta is represented by bile, intrinsic factors in food and the enzymes in the bone marrow. Ranjaka pitta's function is synthesis of haemoglobin and imparting red colour to the blood.

3. SADHAKA PITTA
Brain is the main site of Sadhaka Pitta. By scanning the information and thought processes, it maintains the normal functions of mind, ego and intellect. Sadhaka Pitta helps a person to have his desires fulfilled by maintaining proper mental activity.

4. ALOCHAKA PITTA
Eye is the seat of alochaka pitta Alochaka Pitta's function is perception of light.

5. BHRAJAKA PITTA
Skin is the main site of bhrajaka pitta. Bhrajaka Pitta keeps the skin warkm and is responsible for its normal complexion and lustre.


PRANA ('VITAL AIR')
Prana is one of the five vital airs centred in the nose and responsible for respiration. Prana is a product of the rajas - aspect of the five tanmatras or primordial elements.


PRANAMAYA KOSHA (' THE LIFE SHEATH')
It is the pancha pranas or the five vital airs, along with the karmendriyas or organs of action, that constitute the pranamaya kosha. Pranamaya Kosha covers the soul like a sheath, hiding its real nature, which is chaitanya or consciousness.


PRANAYAMA ("REGULATION OF BREATH')
The fourth of the eight steps of Yoga, it is concerned with the control of the pranic energy and hence the mind, by regulating breathing. Rechaka (exhalation), Puraka (inhalation) and kumbhaka (retention) are its three steps.


PRATYAHARA (' WITHDRAWAL')
Withdrawal of the mind which is going out through the sense organs, in order to fix it on the object of meditation, is pratyahara. Pratyahara is the fifth step of the eight-limbed Yoga.


PREVENTIVE THERAPY (CHARAKA'S COMPENDIUM)
During the first month of spring, the first month of the rainy season, and again at the beginning of autumn, one should clear out any accumulation of the humors by the help of ayurvedic customised detoxification therapies. Effective rejuvenation and aphrodisiac therapies too should be applied. In this way, the body tissues will remain in their natural state, and diseases will not arise in them. The body tissues will be reinforced, and the aging process will be retarded. These therapies are recommended for preventing ailments. Violation of good judgement is also said to be the cause of all mental defects such as envy, grief, fear, anger, pride and hatred.


PREVENTIVE THERAPY TO PREVENT EXTERNAL DISEASE ( CHARAKA'S COMPENDIUM )
  Give up violations of judgement,
  Calm the senses,
  Be mindful,
  Be aware of time, place and yourself;
  Adapt a good lifestyle.
  A knowledge of the teachings of the sages, and its practice, prevents diseases from arising and pacifies those causes which have already exist.


PRITHVI ('THE EARTH')
The element prithvi or earth, one of the five mahabhutas or compounded elements, is the gross aspect of the gandha tanmatra or prithvi tanmatra, formed after pancikarana (quituplication). Prithvi is evolved out of the tamas-aspect of the tanmatras or primordial elements. Prithvi gives hardness to the body. Smell and ability to assume various colours are the special properties of solids Nose is the sense organ which can appreciate various smells.


RAKTA
Erythrocytes.


RAJAS ('THE ACTIVE ONE')
The second of the three gunas that comprise ajnana (kavidya, maya or nescience) Rajas is the active component that is responsible for movement, passion and unrest. RAJA YOGA: Raja Yoga is known as the eight-fold yoga, because it is divided into eight principal parts. These are:

1. YAMA

2. NIYAMA
The bodily care, bathing daily, dietary etc.,
cleanliness, contentment, austerities, study and self-surrender
to God.

3. ASANA
Posture.

4. PRANAYAMA
Pranayama means the control of Prana

5. PRATHYAHARA
Bringing the indriyas(the organs of the senses) under the control of the will is called Pratyahara.

6. DHARANA
Concentration on one subject.

7. DHYANA
Meditation

8. SAMADHI
Illumination.


RASA ('TASTE')
Rasa means taste. Rasa in its technical term means 'Rasatnmatra' or 'ap-tanmatra', the primordial element of water. The word ' Rasa ' is derived from the verb 'sara' which means to move. The word Rasa, in Ayurveda is synonymous with body fluids. Ap's (water) sattva-aspect gives rise to rasana, the organ of taste (tongue) and the palate. Rasa is plasma including the fluid contents of the body.


RASANA ('THE ORGAN OF TASTE')


RITUCHARYA
The regimen to be followed during various seasons.


RUPA ('FORM')
Rupa represents the subtle agni or tejas, a tanmatra or primordial element Agni or tejas has the characteristic of comprehending rupa or form. Agni's sattva aspect gives rise to the organ of sight, the eyes.


SABDA ('SOUND')
The tanmatra of sabda or sound is akasha(ether) Sattva aspect of ether(akasha) gives rise to organ of hearing, the srotra, the ears. The ether gives rise to gross akasha.


SADHANA ('MEANS OF SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT')


SADHANA-CATUSTAYA (' THE FOUR MEANS OF SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT')
The aspirant for the study and practice of Vedanta is expected to acquire these four sadhanas,
  Viveka or discrimination
  vairagya or renunciation.
  samadi - shatka ( the group of six spiritual attributes beginning with sama(peace) and ending with samadhana (concentration)
  mumukshutva (desire for liberation)


SAMADHANA ('CONCENTRATION')
Samadhana means concentrating the mind on sravana (hearing) of the scriptual passages and other subjects conducive to the same.


SAMADHI(' THE TOTAL ABSORPTION')
Nididhyasana or meditation ultimately leads to smadhi, perfect concentration and total absorption in the object of concentration. Samadhi is of two types Savikalpa or Nirvikalpa Samadhi.


SAMADI SHATKA ('THE GROUP OF SIX BEGINNING WITH SAMA')
Samadi Shatka forms the third limb of sadhana-catustaya.
SAMADI SHATKA consists of
  SAMA (TRANQUILITY)
  DAMA (SELF-CONTROL)
  UPARATI (CESSATION OF EXTERNAL ORGANS FROM THE PURSUIT OF SENSE-OBJECTS)
  TITIKSHA (ENDURANCE)
  SAMADHANA (CONCENTRATION)
  SRADDHA (FAITH)


SAMANA('THE EQUAL OR UNIFORM')
The last of the pancapranas or five vital airs, samana situated in the central region of the body. Samana is responsible for digestion and assimilation of food. Samana is an evolute of the rajas-aspect of the tanmatras or primordial elements.


SAMSKARA ('LATENT IMPRESSION')
Any thought, word or deed, whether good or bad, leaves an impression on the mind provoking a similar action in future. Such an impression that remains latent is termed as 'Samskara.' Conquest of the evil samskaras by creating good ones and then transcending them too is an important aspect of spiritual practice.


SAMYAMA ('CONTROL OR MASTER')
As a technical word used in the Yoga-sutras of Patanjali, Samyama signifies dharana, dhyana and samadhi together, when the object of concentration is the same for all the three stages of Yoga.


SANKALPA ('RESOLVE')
Sankalpa, is a resolve of the type, ' I will do this ' , ' I shall have it ' and so on. Sankalpa is also used in a more technical sense in religious rites where it purports to give the purpose and mode of performing the ritual.


SASTRA ('SCRIPTURE')
Sastra is a religious work that ordains a person to do or not to do certain things
(sas = to ordain) and protects him in the spiritual sense(tra = to protect) if he does so, is called 'sastra'. The Vedas and allied scriptures that follow them are accepted as 'Sastra' by the Vedanta systems.


SMRTI ('THAT WHICH IS TO BE REMEMBERED' )
Vedas are called 'SRUTI' (' THAT WHICH IS HEARD') and accepted as primary authority in religio-spiritual matters. The works of Manu, Parasara and Yajnavalkya as also a host of similar books which are dependent works that remind us about the basic teachings of vedas (smr = to remember) and build further upon them, are known as 'SMRITIS'. However, whenever there seems to be a conflict between the 'SRUTI' and 'SMRITIS' in any aspect of teaching, the latter 'SMRITIS' is discarded in favour of the former 'SRUTI'


SAT-CIT-ANANDA (' EXISTENCE-CONSCIOUSNESS-BLISS')
Atman - Brahman, the Absolute, the basis of all that exists and by knowing which everything else is known is described as
  SAT (ETERNAL EXISTENCE)
  CIT (ETERNAL CONSCIOUSNESS)
  ANANDA (ETERNAL BLISS)


SRUTI ('WHAT IS HEARD')
The Vedas are called 'SRUTI' since they are considered by the traditionalists as 'SRUTA' or 'HEARD'. by the rishis or sages in the depths of their mystical experience. Also, the Vedas have always been taught by word of mouth, the disciples learning them after hearing them uttered by their teacher.


TAMAS ('THE DARK ONE')
Tamas is the last of the three gunas comprising ajnana or ignorance. Tamas main characteristics are sleep, indolence, darkness and inclination towards evil.


TANMATRAS (' THAT ONLY ')
The five primordial elements that manifest from the Atman associated with ajnana( ignorance ) are called 'TAN-MATRAS' , since each of the tan-matra contains one quality and is only that quality. For instance, The primordial element Akasha has only sabda (sound or vibration) as its characteristic and hence called 'SABDA-TANMATRA' - Akasha (ether) The other elements are:
Sparsa - tanmatra - Vayu (Air)
Rupa - tanmatra - Agni (Fire)
Rasa - tanmatra - Apas (water)
Gandha - tanmatra - Prithvi (Earth)
These tanmatras are also called 'SUKSMABHUTAS' (subtle elements) or 'APANCIKRTA - BHUTAS' ( uncompounded elements )


TAPAS ('THAT WHICH BURNS')
Tapas or Austerity is the third of the five disciplines listed under yama which itself is the second limb of the astanga yoga of patanjali. Tapas or austerity pertains to body, speech and mind.


TASTES
Tastes are Sweet, Sour, Saline, Pungent, Bitter and Astringent. After digestion, foods having these tastes i.e., Sweet, Sour, Saline, Pungent, Bitter and Astringent are converted to three categories of substances having Sweet, Sour and Pungent tastes. They are known as Vipakas. Out of the 20 qualities only two viz., hot and cold, finally decide the nature of action of the Food and drugs. Hot and Cold are known as Virya or Potency of the Drugs and Food. Drugs act on the human body only by the virtue of their taste, vipaka, quality or virya (Potency- Hot or Cold)


TEJAS(FIRE)
Tejas Mahabhuta confers heat to the human body.


TITIKSA ('FORBEARANCE')
Titiksa or Forbearance of all pairs of opposites, of all sufferings, without reaction or murmur, is the fourth discipline listed under samadisatka.


TRIGUNATMAKA ('COMPRISING THE THREE GUNAS')
Ajnana or Ignorance or Nescience is said to be 'Trigunatmaka', since it consists of the three gunas, sattva, rajas, and tamas.


TRIVIDHASARIRA ('THREE KINDS OF BODIES')
Trividha sarira refers to the
  Sthula sarira (Gross body),
  Suksma sarira (Subtle body)
  Karana sarira (Causal body)

Trividha sarira refers to the sthula sarira, suksma sarira and karana sarira that cover and bind the jiva, the individual soul.


TURIYA ('THE FOURTH')
Since the Atman/Brahman, the pure caitanya or consciousness, is beyond the three states of consciousness experienced by jiva, the bound individual soul, it is called the 'Turiya' state.


TVAK ('THE SKIN')
Tvak is the organ of touch, the skin, one of the five jnanendriyas or organs of knowledge. Tvak is born of the sattva-aspect of vayu-tanmatra.


UDANA ('BREATHING UPWARDS')
Udana is the fourth of a series of five pranas (the five vital airs). Udana is situated in the throat with its movement poised upwards. Udana is this vital air that helps the jiva leave the body at the time of death.


UPA PRANAS ('SUBSIDIARY PRANAS')
The five subsidiary pranas or vital airs are:
NAGA
KURMA
KRKALA
DEVADATTA
DHANANJAYA


UPANISHAD ('SACRED WISDOM')
Spiritual wisdom learnt by a disciple sitting at the feet of the guru or the preceptor, as described in the Vedas is 'Upanisad' Literally, it signifies brahmavidya or atmavidya (knowledge of Brahman or the Atman) that loosens the bonds of samsara, destroys ajnana or ignorance and leads to Brahman / Atman. There are several Upanisads which form the end portions of the Vedas and hence called ' Vedanta '. Upanisads are the basis of the Vedanta-systems.


URGES NOT TO BE SUPPRRESSED ( CHARAKA'S COMPENDIUM )
A wise man does not suppress the natural urges related to urine or faeces, semen, wind, nausea, sneezing, clearing the throat, yawning, nor the urgings of hunger or thirst, tears, sleep, or the panting induced by exertion. URGES WHICH SHOULD BE SUPPRRESSED: One who desires what is good here and hereafter should suppress the urges toward impetuous and dishonourable deeds of mind, speech, or body. The intelligent person suppresses the urges of greed, grief, fear, fury, pride, shamelessness, envy, and excessive passion, as well as of covetousness.

  One should suppress any urge that might arise to speak extremely harshly, critically, falsely, or inappropriately.
  One should suppress urges which involve causing any bodily harm to another person, such as robbery or injury.


VAIRAGYA ('DETACHMENT')
Vairagya or renunciation or the spirit of detachment is the second of the four sadhanas listed under sadhana-catustaya. Vairagya is the natural consequence of viveka or discrimination. Vairgya pertains to all objects of pleasure whether of this world or of the next.


VAK ('THE SPEECH')
The organ of speech or vagindriya is one of the five karmendriyas or organs of action. Vak (the speech) is the product of the rajas aspect of the tanmatra akasa(ether).


VATA
The chief centre of Vata is colon. The maximum activity of vata is in the evening 2 pm. to 6 pm. and 2 am. to 6 am. The word ' VATA ' is derived from the verb "va" which means movement. The biological element Vata, is derived derived from the combination of space and air i.e., Vayu. Vata regulates the functions of different viscera, mind and sense organs of the body and help them in the manifestation of their actions and reception of their objects. Equilibrium of dhatus and compactness of the body is maintained by Vata. Vata stimulates the process of digestion and metabolism in the body and helps elimination or ejection of waste products out of the body. Physical Characteristics of Vata: Vata molecules are always mobile and move in all directions. Vata molecules has a slightly astringent taste. Vata is cold in nature.
Biological Actions: Vata controls the movements of molecules, cells as well as the body and division of cells. Vata is the leader among the three doshas as it controls the movements and actions of pitta, kapha, all the body tissues and waste products in the body. The sub-types of vata are: Prana, Udana, Vyana, Samana and Apana.

1. PRANA VAYU
Prana Vayu is synonymous with life. Prana Vayu is represented by the functional units of respiratory centre, sense and motor organs, mind, intellect and conscience. Prana Vayu controls inspiration, deglutition, sneezing and expectoration. Prana Vayu is responsible for the rythmicity and contractility of the heart.

2. UDANA VAYU
Udana Vayu controls speech and the speech centre. The seats of action of Udana Vayu are Diaphragm, Chest, Lungs, Pharynx and nose. Udana vayu maintains colour, complexion and strength by getting rid of gaseous waste products during expiration.

3. VYANA VAYU
Vyana Vayu is present in the whole body including heart. Vyana vayu is represented by the functional units in the spinal and high centres i.e., all sensory and motor nerves, reflex arcs, motor centres and autonomic centres controlling circulation, sweat secretion and capillary permeability. Vyana controls all the voluntary and involuntary body movements.

4. SAMAN VAYU
The seat of action of Samana Vayu is in the gastrointestinal tract from stomach to colon. Samana vayu is represented by the functional unit of autonomic nervous system, which controls peristalsis movement of stomach and intestines. Samana vayu differentiates the digested food into useful nutritious parts and waste products. Samana vayu helps in the absorption of the useful part of food and propulsion of waste products i.e., faecal matter, further into the colon.

5. APANA VAYU
Apana vayu's sites are the pelvis, bladder, uterus, penis, thighs, testes, abdominal muscles, pelvic colon and anus. Apana Vayu is responsible for the ejaculation of semen, expulsion of menstrual discharge, delivery of the foetus, defaecation and micturition.


VAYU (' THE WIND OR AIR')
At the subtle level, Vayu is the sparsa-tanmatra. At the gross level, Vayu is the mahabhuta vayu or air, produced by pancikarana or quintuplication. As vayu tanmatra, vayu gives rise to the organ of touch, the Skin.


VEDANGAAS (' Parts of Veda ')
To understand the real meaning of the Vedas, six subsidiary branches of knowledge (Vedangas) need to be studied :
  Siksa (Phonetics)
  Chandas (metre)
  Vyakarana (grammar)
  Nirukta (etymology)
  Jyotisa (Astronomy)
  Kalpa (Ritualistic practices)

These are called the ' Vedangas ' or subsidiary sciences connected with the Vedas.


VEDANTA (' THE END OR ESSENCE OF VEDA' )
The Upanisads (and allied literature) are called Vedanta because they come at the end of the Vedas and contain the essence of Vedic teachings. Vedanta also point towards the goal of life.


VEDAS ('KNOWLEDGE')
Derived from the root verb 'VID ( to know ), the word 'Veda' means 'knowledge' Vedas is used in a more technical sense to indicate the four basic scriptures of Hinduism:
  The Rigveda.
  The Yajurveda.
  The Samaveda.
  The Atharveda

Each of these vedas is again divided into four parts, the last of which deals with philosophy and is known as the ' Upanisad ' or the ' Vedanta '.


VIJNANA ('CONSCIOUSNESS')
Vijnana meaning 'awareness' or 'consciousness' the word is generally used to indicate the essential nature of Brahman / Atman (= cit ) Vijnana(consciousness) is also used sometimes to describe the jiva or the individual self.


VIJNANAMAYA KOSHA ('SHEATH OF INTELLECT')
The buddhi or intellect along with the five jnanendriyas or organs of knowledge forms the vijnanamayakosha or the sheath of intellect. Vijnanamaya kosha is called as kosha or the sheath since it covers and hides the knowledge of the Atman.


VIKALPA (' doubt or alternative ')
The word is commonly used in Vedantic literature to describe the nature of the mind. Manas or the mind is said to be that aspect of citta or the mind - stuff which functions as sankalpa (resolve) and Vikalpa (doubt). The word Vikalpa is also used to indicate an alternative.


VIKSEPA ('THROWING UP')
Viksepa is the second power of ajnana(ignorance), The first power of Ajnana is Avarana( Covering ). Viksepa projects the object, upon which it acts, as something other than what it is. Like semi-darkness making a rope appear as a snake.


VITAMINS AND MINERALS
Vitamins and Minerals exist naturally in grains, pulses, fruits and vegetables.


VITAMINS AND MINERALS - FUNCTIONS
Vitamins and minerals serve as catalysts in the chemical processes of the body.


VIVEKA ('DISCRIMINATION')
Viveka or discrimination between the real and the unreal, is the first of the four sadhanas called 'sadhana-catustaya.' Viveka leads to Vairagya or renunciation.


VRITTI (' MODIFICATION')
The nature of the citta or the mind-stuff is to constantly rise in the form of vrittis or waves. Vrittis are obstacles to yoga or perfect concentration on the Atman or the Self.


WATER
Water makes up most of the blood volume in the form of plasma, and through this medium of blood, oxygen, foods and wastes are carried to the respective organs in the body. The body loses water daily through perspiration, urine, faeces, and breath. About half the water loss can be replaced by the water content in fruits and vegetables and the remaining water from drinking water. An individual's water requirement is influenced by the individual's activity level, the climate, diet, and diseases where excessive fluid is lost.


WELLNESS
Wellness can be defined as the constant and deliberate effort to stay healthy and achieve the highest potential for well-being. Wellness incorporates such aspects as adequate fitness, proper nutrition, spirituality, smoking cessation, Stress management, Substance abuse control, Disease prevention and risk reduction, Physical examinations, Health education, and Environmental support.


YAMA ('RESTRAINT')
Yama is the first step of the eight -limbed Yoga. Yama consists of :
  Ahimsa (Non-injury)
  Satya (Truth)
  Asteya (Non-stealing)
  Brahmacarya (Continence or celibacy)
  Aparigraha (Non-acceptance of gifts)


YOGA (' UNION [OF THE INDIVIDUAL SOUL WITH THE SUPREME SOUL]' )
The word 'yoga' derived from the root 'yuj' has two senses:
  Samadhi or Superconscious experience through perfect concentration of the mind.
  Yoking or uniting the individual self with God.


VEDIC CHANTS

YOGASANA MANTRA

Yogena chittasya padena vacham
malam sharirasya cha vaidyakena.
Yopa karotam pravaram muninam
Patanjalim pranjaliranatosmi.

I offer my salutations to Sage Patanjali, the renowned amongst the sages, who removed the impurity of mind through Yoga; who removed the impurity of speech by Grammar and who removed the impurity of body by Ayurveda.


MANTHRA BEFORE EATING FOOD

Brahmarpanam brahmahavihi Brahmagnau Brahmanaa hutham
Brahmhaiva tena ganthavyam Brahmakarmasamadhina.


SURYA NAMASKARA MANTHRA
Hiranmayena pathrena Satyasya pihitam mukham
Tat tvam pushan apavruno satya dharmaya drustaye.

Like a lid to a vessel, O Sun! your golden orb covers the entrance of truth. Kindly open thy entrance to lead me to truth.


PRAYERS FOR MEDITATION

Tejosi Tejomayi dehi
Veeryamasi veeryam mayi dehi
Balamasi balam mayi dehi
Ojosi ojo mayi dehi
Manyurasi manyuh mayi dehi
Sahosi saho mayi dehi

Om O Lord. You are the embodiment of infinite energy; fill me with energy.
You are the embodiment of infinite vigour; endow me with vigour.
You are embodiment of infinite strength; bestow strength upon me.
You are embodiment infinite power; grant power unto me.
You are the embodiment of infinite courage; inspire me with courage.
You are the embodiment of infinite patience; fill me with patience.
Shuklambaradharam vishnum shashi varnam chaturbhujam
prasannavadanam dhyayeth sarvignopashanthayeth.

For the removal of all obstacles I meditate on Lord Vighneshwara who is clad in white, is all pervading, is white like moon, sports four arms and is always of serene aspect.
Om bhurbhuvassuvaha tat saviturvarenyam
Bhargodevasya dhimahi dhiyo yonah prachodayath.
Om. We meditate on the spiritual effulgence of that Adorable Supreme Divine Reality, the source or projector of the three phenmenal world-planes-the gross or physical and the potential or casual, both externally and internally. May that supreme Divine Being stimulate our intelligence, so that we may realise the supreme Truth.

Sarvasthu durgani sarvo bhadrani pashyathu
Sarva sadbuddhimapnotu sarvah sarvathra nandathu

May all be freed from dangers.
May all realise what is good.
May all be actuated by noble thoughts.
May all rejoice everywhere