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Dinacharya – Live Ayurveda daily: Part 1 Prevention of disease is one of the primary aims of Ayurveda. According to Ayurveda Swasthasya swasthya rakshanam | Aturasya vikara prashamana cha || Preserve the health of the healthy And cure the disorders of the agitated The sequence of description is very important in ancient shlokas. The earlier stated fact is more important and is the foundation for the latter. In the above shloka, the preservation of the health is said to be the priority. If preservation of health is done effectively, then there will hardly be any need for treatment of any disorders.

The word “rasa” has several meanings in the Sanskrit language. It can mean the taste of a substance, the tissue fluid in the body, the digested food in the intestines or the Rasa Dhatu (metabolic milestone or basic tissue of the body). Each meaning has its own importance. However, the taste (as detected by the taste buds in the tongue) is the fundamental meaning of the term Rasa. This dimension of rasa is also the most meaningful for the layman.

In 2015, the Ministry of the Environment declared that 93% of river pollution is caused by domestic waste, while 7% has an industrial origin. There are currently more than 1,500 industries along the riverside, most of which dump their waste into the river. According to a report submitted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to the National Green Tribunal, 63% of all sewage flowing into rivers in urban areas is untreated. Out of the 62,000 million liters per day (MLD) of sewage generated, only 37% is treated.

The population of India has increased to more than 1.3 billion. The increase in consumption with the population boom ultimately contributes to Green House Gas emissions. But is population the only reason for consumption? No, that might not be the case. Mahatma Gandhi once said- “The world has enough for everyone’s need, but not everyone’s greed”. India’s culture of simplicity, less consumption pattern is slowly shifting towards exploitation and high consumption. In the face of escalating climate crisis, there is an immense need for developing sensitivity, consciousness for value education and ultimately towards sustainable energy consumption.

The word Ayurveda is made from the union of two Sanskrit words “ayu” and “veda”. Ayu is the life and Veda is the knowledge. Therefore Ayurveda is a comprehensive knowledge of life. Existence and use of Ayurveda date back approx. 5000 years ago or more. It is considered as old as the Vedas themselves. The four vedas are Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda. The word Atharva emerges from the same root as the word Artha does. The word Artha means value, meaning or worth. Atharvaveda is the Veda that deals with the fulfillment of material requirements and help the person find the best way to survive with minimal exertion. This knowledge was meant for the sages, who wanted to spend their lives exploring the divine wisdom. Therefore Atharva Veda ensured that all their basic physical, personal and social needs were fulfilled. Ayurveda is called the fifth Veda. However, it is considered to have emerged from Atharva Veda as it is the store of worldly knowledge.

In the heart of India, nestled amidst lush greenery and echoing the harmonious chants of the Hare Krishna mantra, lies Govardhan Ecovillage, a spiritual and sustainable community deeply rooted in the teachings of ISKCON. More than just a sanctuary for spiritual seekers, our vibrant community has embarked on an incredible mission – the reduction of food waste.