Ep #153: Ayurveda and Yoga: The Path to Health, Happiness, and Liberation with Akshay Bhat

In this episode, Akshay Bhat, a yoga teacher and Ayurvedic practitioner, explores the four pillars of life in Ayurveda: Dharma (righteousness), Artha (material possessions), Kama (fulfillment of desires), and Moksha (liberation). He emphasizes that balancing these aspects is crucial to leading a happy and healthy life. Akshay delves into how Ayurveda and yoga are interconnected, with both practices supporting spiritual growth and well-being. Ayurveda, which dates back over 6,000 years, is not just a system for physical health but also a guide for living a purposeful life. The speakers discuss how disease is viewed as a "mistake of intelligence" in Ayurveda, and how balance across the four life pillars is key to achieving wellness. The concept of Dharma is explored, contrasting it with Adharma, which represents a life driven by ego and negative emotions. The importance of balancing material and spiritual needs, or Artha, is highlighted, with the caution that modern society often promotes unnecessary desires. Finally, Moksha, or liberation, is discussed, with the speakers suggesting that it can be found through various activities like yoga, meditation, and creative pursuits. Each person’s path to freedom is unique, and discovering what brings a sense of expansion is essential for personal growth. Episode Chapters: 00:00:00 - Ayurveda: The Four Means of Life00:04:49 - Exploring Ayurveda with Akshay Bhat 00:08:02 - The Origins and Principles of Ayurveda 00:11:22 - Exploring the Foundations of Ayurveda 00:15:14 - Mistakes of Intelligence and Psychosomatic Diseases 00:18:40 - Dharma: Balancing Inner and Outer Values 00:21:48 - Dharma, Adharma, and Holistic Health 00:23:23 - Balancing Material Possessions with Dharma 00:26:42 - Fulfilling Desires Through Conscious Presence 00:32:53 - Finding Liberation Through Various Practices 00:35:28 - Moksha: The Liberation of the Mind 00:38:15 - Finding Personal Moksha Akshay’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akshaybhatyoga/