Vedic Threads | Self paced
Understanding Trauma Through Saṃskāra, Vāsanā, and Prajñāparādha
This session explores trauma through the lens of Indian knowledge systems, emphasizing how saṃskāra (past impressions), vāsanā (latent tendencies), and prajñāparādha (mistakes of intellect) shape mental and emotional patterns. Anjali Deva presents trauma as duḥkha arising from disrupted prāṇa and imbalance, affecting both body and mind. Healing is approached holistically through Ayurveda and Yoga practices like dinacaryā, pratyāhāra, breathwork, and self-awareness, supported by community and creativity. The reflection session highlights surrender, resilience, and discernment, showing how trauma can become a pathway for growth, connection, and deeper alignment with one’s inner nature.
Guest Instructor
Anjali Deva
Anjali Deva is an Ayurvedic practitioner currently residing in the mountains of Southern California. Her private practice, Rooted Rasa, specializes in an integrative and trauma-informed approach to Ayurveda. Anjali founded Mādhya Way, a school for Ayurveda in 2020 to provide education in trauma-informed care. She co-authored “From Stressed Out to Stress Wise” published in July 2023. She is dedicated to sharing the Wisdom of Ayurveda for the benefit of all living beings.
Understanding Trauma Through Saṃskāra, Vāsanā, and Prajñāparādha with Anjali Deva
Topics Covered:
- Defining Trauma in Ayurveda Terms: Anjali noted the lack of a direct Sanskrit equivalent but correlated trauma with duḥkha, vāsanā, and samskāra.
- Impact of Trauma: Trauma influences breathing patterns, digestion, and emotional health, manifesting through vāta, pitta, or kapha imbalances.
- Healing Trauma Through Ayurveda: Practices like pratyāhāra, abhyanga, and gentle breathwork support nervous system regulation.
- Prajñāparādha and Decision-Making: Actions that override inner wisdom, often rooted in shame or survival patterns, were linked to trauma responses.
- Role of sattva in Healing: Cultivating balance and clarity through consistent, compassionate daily practices promotes resilience.
- Interconnection of Individual and Collective Trauma: The session addressed how societal factors contribute to personal stress and trauma, underscoring the need for both individual care and activism.
- Belonging as a Healing Force: A sense of community and connection, through sangha or safe social environments, fosters healing and reduces feelings of isolation.
- Creative Expression: Art, storytelling, and music were highlighted as powerful tools for cultivating sattva and processing trauma.
- Bhakti Yoga in the Modern Era: Devotional practices like kīrtana and bhajana were emphasized as accessible ways to promote healing in Kali Yuga.
- Ancestral Healing: Acknowledging and working with ancestors, through rituals like tarpaṇa, was presented as a method for addressing intergenerational trauma.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify how prajñāparādha, samskāra, and vāsanā contribute to trauma and imbalance in mind-body health.
- Apply Ayurvedic practices like dinacaryā, abhyanga, and pratyāhāra to regulate the nervous system and foster healing.
- Explore the role of community and creativity in addressing both individual and collective trauma.
Session 2
Reflections & Integration with the Instructors
Topics Covered:
- Healing through Surrender: Claudia’s health challenges highlighted the necessity of surrender and trust in navigating pain and uncertainty.
- Ayurveda’s Role in Trauma: Anjali shared her experiences offering Ayurvedic consultations to wildfire victims, emphasizing resilience and gratitude amidst loss.
- Detachment in Practice: Dr. Ramkumar shared stories underscoring the distinction between true detachment and neglect of responsibilities, advocating for mindful action.
- Resilience and Nature: Participants reflected on how nature, particularly plants, demonstrates resilience and serves as a metaphor for overcoming trauma.
- Discerning Causes of Trauma: The group discussed the role of practitioners in addressing symptoms without needing to identify the originating trauma.
- Supportive Stories: Pam and others shared personal health struggles, illustrating how community support fosters resilience and hope.
- Trauma as a Teacher: Discussions centered on the transformative potential of trauma when viewed through a spiritual and karmic lens.
- Karmic Perspectives: Stories from the Pancha Tantra and Vedic teachings illuminated how karma shapes life challenges and growth.
- Gratitude for Community: Participants expressed deep appreciation for the collective wisdom and support found within the group.
- Integration with Practice: The session reinforced the necessity of grounding spiritual principles in daily life and relationships.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand how vairāgya (detachment) and sva-dharma (personal duty) provide frameworks for addressing trauma and fostering resilience.
- Explore the role of Ayurveda and collective support in healing individual and communal trauma.
- Apply Vedic principles of discernment (viveka) to navigate life’s challenges without creating new trauma.
About Vedic Threads
Every Indian wisdom tradition carries within it a vast web of ideas, stories, and living knowledge. Vedic Threads is an invitation to explore that web — one theme at a time, in the company of lifelong practitioners and sincere seekers from around the world. Join hosts Drs. Ramkumar and Claudia Welch and Navneet Raman, and our distinguished guest instructors, for conversations that deepen your understanding of Ayurveda, yoga, and the traditions they emerge from.
