Mind, Ayurveda and Yoga Psychology

About the Book

In the first part of this book, we will look at the foundational concepts of several yoga philosophies, especially pertaining to the nature of the mind. We will begin with the philosophy of Samkhya which explains the creation of the universe, enfoldment of cosmic consciousness, development of the individual soul, and to the rise of the operative faculties of the mind in perception, feeling, ego, memory and intelligence. In the second part, we will look at the tradition of yoga and its techniques to develop the aspirant to rise above physical and mental agitation and restraint which holds one back from emerging into higher knowledge of the self. In the third, we will look at the basic principles of ayurveda including its perspectives to establish balance and harmony of body and mental states. Through the universal principles of ayurveda, knowledge of one’s physical and mental constitution can lead to continuum of health and restoration of disease into a balance state of individuals. Its goal is to achieve equilibrium between body and mind by the use of a number of disciplines – diet, medicinal herbs, and detoxification and rejuvenator programs, breathe exercises, asanas, meditation, and lifestyle changes to maintain one’s body and mental type. Ayurveda and Yogic traditions offer a profound and intuitive insight into the nature of mind, root cause of mental disease, mental afflictions, deep seated impression and subtle desire (vasana) which lead to mental bondage, unconscious (instinctive, habitual behavior), blockage in adversities, and unawareness in the play of misery and pain. Together, they can expunge mental impurities, transpire negativity, develop conscious awareness, control of thought movement, and sharpen concentration and meditation to bring about transparency into one’s true existence. Through the cultivation of yogic disciplines one can attain liberation or peace of mind through the actions of moral and righteous behavior (Yama and Niyama), selfless service (Karma yoga), devotional practices (Bhakti yoga), will and meditation disciplines (Raja Yoga) and intuitive knowledge (Jnana yoga). These are not interdependent of one another but collectively move one towards the goal of all yoga in the attainment of self realization.

About the Author

Dr. John Cosby graduated from Michigan State University Osteopathic Medicine School before entering a Family Practice Residency Program at St. Barnabas Hospital, Bronx, New York. Upon graduation he opened the Alachua Integrative Center outside Gainesville, Florida, which offered complementary Eastern and Western Medicine. He prescribed ayurveda (India) herbs and other supplements along with pharmaceutical medicine as warranted by the patient’s needs. He began to lecture on ayurveda medicine, art of meditation, self healing and other complimentary medicine topics. He opened another ayurveda clinic to New York City which branched out to the application of panchakarma healing massages. He continued his studies on the science of ayurveda and yoga psychology, which furthered his endless search to gather fertile knowledge to the root cause of all disease and illness. This proper journey funneled his insight into the many science of healing, combined with forty years plus of meditation, yoga, ancient scriptures and scope of one’s entire existence, and formation of disease, is attributed to the collectively operative faculties of the individual’s mindset. The subtle and gross mind, together with the accumulation of lifetime impressions and karma, plays an intricate part to the people and situations reflected in that person’s outer experiences. This intuitive insight into the workings of the unconscious and conscious mind led his thoughts to culminate in his book titled “Mind, Ayurveda and Yoga Psychology”. Presently, he gives lectures on yoga psychology, diet and organic foods, ayurvedic medicine, rejuvenating herbs for the mind, and coaches on lifestyle changes.