Vaidya Mishra's Shaka Vansya Ayurveda

Ashoka is one of the divya aushadhis (divine herbs), like arjuna, clove and others, used in Ayurveda. It is a purely sattwic herb whose flowers are described in Sanskrit as hemapushpa (filled with golden, divine light, like the color of the morning rising sun, or the light of the soul).

Because of this connection with the divine, ashoka has the effect of removing grief from our hearts. It is not its physical properties, but the spiritual energy of this tree, which allows the sprouts of grief to be removed. The literal meaning of ashoka is "no grief." "A" means "no," and shoka means "grief." On a deeper level, it is the "a" value of the ashoka tree (its connection with the divine) that removes shoka (grief). When light is brought near, darkness has no choice but to vanish.

The spiritual light of ashoka, when taken into the physiology, enlivens the sattwa (light of the consciousness) in the awareness. The sprouts of dukha (suffering), which grow when the light of consciousness is diminished, are quickly removed when the light is increased.

Any spiritual practice that increases the light of consciousness will remove dukha (suffering). Ashoka is a physical means of supplementing your spiritual practice. That is why ashoka is one of the three transdermal creams used in Vaidya Mishra's Samadhi Set, which helps the mind and heart open to the divine in preparation for meditation.

What You Will Learn in This Section of the Course

In this 26 minute audio lecture, you will learn the Sanskrit descriptions of the fruits, flowers and leaves of ashoka which are useful when identifying this beautiful tree. You will also learn its rasas (tastes) and gunas (physical qualities) and a classical story which will help you to remember the grief-removing quality of this divine herb.

In addition to the ashoka (grief-removing) prabhava, you will learn four other prabhavas (special qualities) of ashoka, which are helpful when deciding how and when to use this plant. And you will understand Vaidya Mishra's alternative delivery methods for preserving the divinity of this herb even when the physiology is corrupted by toxins.

Ashoka In Our Herbal Products

Ashoka is an ingredient in many of Vaidya Mishra's herbal formulations.  Here is a list of the main ashoka products.

Ashoka Herbal Memory Nectar

• Delivers the divine properties of this herb even if the liver or digestive system are toxic (the crude herb would be corrupted in the process).
• Removes grief very quickly (doesn't need to go through digestive and metabolic system which takes time).
• Is suspended in the nectar of sweet squashes to protect the divine intelligence of ashoka.
• Should be added to 1 to 2 liters of cool water and sipped throughout the day.
• Avoids the grahi (absorbing) quality of ashoka, allowing it to be used safely for people with constipation.

Ashoka Herbalized Soap

• Get transdermal absorption of ashoka while you bathe.
• Only the prabhavas (special qualities) of ashoka are delivered; the kshaya (astringent) and grahi (absorbing) quality is not there.
• Beautiful, heart-lotus-opening aroma.
• Start your day with extra herbal support to remove any traces of grief in your heart.

Ashoka Transdermal Cream

• Deliver the ashoka prabhava (grief removing property) directly to the sattwa (light of the soul) transdermally.
• Bypass the liver and digestive system (if these are weak, or toxic, they can corrupt the prabhava (divine quality) of the herb or prevent it from being fully utilized).
• Enjoy continuous absorption through the skin for several hours (such as when you sleep or meditate).

Ashoka Chaal (powder)

• Very high quality, wildcrafted herbal supplement
• Gives the physical properties of the herb, which are sometimes necessary.
• Helpful for rehydration, and helps to create an environment in the colon that does not support the growth of pathogenic bacteria.

How to Use the Course Materials

When you download the zip file for this section of the course (and unzip it using a free unzip program like 7-Zip), you will find a PDF file (which can be opened with the free Adobe Reader) and an MP3 file (which can be played on any MP3 player such as iPod or iTunes).  You can listen to the audio alone, but for the first time through (at least), we recommend that you follow along with the PDF documents to make sure that all of the concepts are clear.  The PDF's sometimes contain visual diagrams in addition to the Sanskrit verses.  If you learn visually, reading along with the PDF will be helpful.

We also recommend reviewing the PDF, and re-listening to the MP3 file many times, so that you begin to recognize the knowledge and own it.  These MP3 files are especially good to put on your MP3 player so you can listen in the car.  Just as it is easy to remember songs you hear over and over on the radio, you will find that the knowledge in these lectures will stick to you with no effort when you hear them over and over.  You will also find that your understanding of the material deepens each time you hear them.

Disclaimer

This product and statements have not been evaluated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and are not intended to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. All of the information above is intended for educational purposes only and may not be used to replace or compliment medical advice.