In Ayurveda, the heart (Hridaya) is considered as one of the most important organs responsible for maintaining overall health and well-being. The heart is the seat of consciousness (Atman) and plays a crucial role in the circulation of vital life force (Prana) and blood (Rakta) throughout the body. “In Eastern medicine, the heart, and not the brain, is the centre of consciousness. Therefore, any heart condition points to deep-rooted problems of self-identity, emotions and consciousness. “1 Western culture focuses on individual achievement and constant competition, rather than spiritual connection with others, so our hearts are sidelined and often replaced by ego. The lack of exercise and the consumption of fatty, spicy, fried food and lots of meat, typical of European cuisine, also puts a strain on the heart. In Hungary, cardiovascular disease accounted for 49% of deaths in 2019, or 64,000 deaths.2 Primary causes of heart problems include poor diet, stress, lack of exercise and suppr...
What do we associate with the word “ kindness ”? It’s a term with many different facets: solidarity, generosity, mercy, humanity, sympathy, helpfulness, empathy. Kindness is the natural expression of the sutra “ recognise that the other person is you ”. And in his teachings, he consistently demanded that we show kindness, generosity and sympathy to everyone who crossed our path. Kindness is a powerful tool: the merest flash of kindness is enough to forge a connection between two people. Let us use an example of two people who have never met before. One of them notices that something is wrong – perhaps the other person has lost a bus ticket out of their pocket or their shopping bag has ripped open. Nothing major, really. And yet it’s enough for that person to pause, step out of the self-centredness that so dominates our existence (possibly too much so) and briefly pay attent...