Title : Reviving the vedic understanding of consciousness in traditional medicine: the case of maharishi ayurveda
Abstract:
In the Vedic tradition, health is not merely the absence of disease but a dynamic state of harmony between body, mind, behaviour, and the innermost Self — pure consciousness. Maharishi AyurVeda, a comprehensive revival of classical Ayurvedic knowledge, re-establishes consciousness as the foundational element in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. This presentation explores the theoretical framework and practical applications of Maharishi AyurVeda as a consciousness-based system of traditional medicine. It emphasizes how consciousness — defined as a field of pure intelligence — is not only the origin of physical and mental processes but also the organizing principle behind physiological balance and healing. Maharishi AyurVeda systematically integrates traditional Ayurvedic modalities (including diet, daily and seasonal routines, herbal formulations, and pulse diagnosis) with the technique of Transcendental Meditation, which allows the individual to directly experience and stabilize pure consciousness. This integration empowers the body's own self-repair mechanisms, reduces stress and systemic inflammation, and promotes resilience and mental clarity. Supported by decades of peer-reviewed research, this approach has shown remarkable benefits in reducing cardiovascular risk, managing anxiety and depression, improving immune response, and enhancing overall quality of life. The presentation aims to bridge ancient Vedic wisdom and modern health challenges, demonstrating how the reintroduction of consciousness as a therapeutic agent can offer innovative solutions within the global conversation on integrative medicine.
