Spring is often thought of as a time of new beginnings. Lambs frolicking in the fields and new flower buds burst into bloom as nature puts on its vibrant firework display.
In the run up to Easter I have experienced both the sad loss of an elderly loved one and the joyful emergence of a new life - my cousin gave birth to a beautiful baby girl called Tanvi seen here. Both of these events are perhaps new beginnings. A similar philosophy perhaps is illustrated at Easter time with the death and resurrection of Christ.
Ayurveda believes that our physical bodies are just a manifestation of our souls. Every living being has a soul with prana or vital life force without which it cannot exist.
The ‘Gita’, which is the holy book of the Hindus, states that we actually only exist as souls. Life and death are the same thing because it is only our bodies which are living or dying. Our soul is permanent. If our soul is alive we cannot die; and if we cannot die then how can we live? In a complex narrative to Arjuna, Lord Krishna gives out the philosophical discourse, which is the very foundation of Hindu religion and Ayurveda – the soul is true being. The body is merely the physical manifestation of the soul. Hindus believe that the soul is re-incarnated. Buddha did not concern himself too much with the big question of what happens to us when we die but preferred to consider what happens to each of us when we live in the moment. Buddhists believe however that our soul's cycle of birth and death continues until we have reached a state of peace with ourselves or "nirvana".
Whatever religion you follow, our existence is so much more than our physical bodies. Our soul or spirit is actually the essence of who we are.
In other words our bodies are "on loan" to us for the duration of our lives. So if we look after them they will serve us well. This thought brings us back to the definition of Ayurveda which is made up of two Sanskrit words - ayur meaning "life" or perhaps more precisely it means the journey from birth to death and veda meaning "knowledge".
Enjoy life as it explodes all around you this spring. Observe the flowers as they unfold their beauty and magic. Take joy from these simple pleasures and make the most of every moment life has to offer.
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