By: Janvi Sharma | Posted: Nov 12, 2010

When we think about the beautiful people we have known, both young and old, we recognise that beauty has many forms of expression. Kindness and understanding, a positive attitude, a healthy appearance, graceful movements, serene wisdom and a strong, loving spirit—all are aspects of beauty in the broadest sense.

The Essence of Eternal Beauty
Ayurveda, the most ancient medical system in the world, takes the holistic perspective that we are made of body, mind, and soul. We have a physical being, a mental self and a spiritual self. All three aspects work together to create this being that we are. Therefore, the deepest and truest form of beauty is an interaction of all three aspects of our self. The wisdom of Ayurveda provides methods that improve the health and well-being of our body, mind and spirit. Thus producing the deepest, most enduring form of beauty—eternal beauty.

If we compare the concepts of beauty uncovered by Western science, promoted by the media and beauty industry and found in Ayurveda, we will see, there are fewer agreements and more important differences among these different perspectives. This discussion will help to illuminate the significance of Ayurveda as a positive method for assisting each of us in attaining our own unique, natural, and enduring state of beauty.

Ayurvedic Concept of Beauty
The Western emphasis on outer beauty has been expressed by the well-known saying that beauty is only skin-deep. The Eastern perspective of beauty, now being gradually recognised in the West, is a holistic approach. One of the earliest systems of medicine that held this holistic view is Ayurveda.

When we speak of beauty in the context of Ayurveda, we are not referring to commercial, market-driven ideals. In Ayurveda, beauty of both the inner self and outer being is intimately related. The more we nurture our health and inner qualities, the more radiant our physical appearance becomes, irrespective of our particular body shape or proportions. In keeping with the general orientation of the Eastern philosophy of health and healing, beauty can be viewed as having three aspects: outer, inner and secret—or physical, psychological and spiritual.

Inner Beauty
Inner beauty relates to inner qualities, including emotional states and mental abilities. Like physical characteristics, our mental abilities and temperaments are largely determined at birth via our genes. Although physical characteristics (prakiriti) remain relatively unchanged (such as blue eyes or a large skeletal frame), mental qualities can be changed by food and lifestyle. The food we eat and our current lifestyle have a significant impact on our state of mind. Not only does our food influence our well-being, but so do all the things that we perceive through our senses. The things we watch, hear, smell, and feel affect our mental and physical activities.

The Mental Aspect of Beauty
A calm and relaxed mind, termed sattvic in Ayurveda, is essential for a healthy and beautiful body. Multi-tasking reflects an overactive (rajasic) state of mind and leads to mental stress and physical tiredness. There is a relation between the body and mind. Clinical studies have shown that meditation, which is a calm and relaxed state of mind, retards the aging process, whereas mental stress and multi-tasking deplete physical immunity and reduce efficiency. Reducing negative feelings and accepting positive feelings enhance inner beauty. As the well-known saying goes, "As you think, so you become."

Beauty and Soul
The secret or hidden aspect of beauty refers to soul. Our soul provides the energy, insight and inspiration to balance the inner and outer qualities of our being. Developing ourselves at the level of soul takes time, patience and a focus on the spiritual aspects of life. This is the mark of real maturity or self-realisation that ripens into a deep, lasting beauty. It can be developed by anyone, no matter one's age or physical ability. Eternal beauty is experienced from within and seen by all on the outside.

Thus, it is clear that beauty must be seen as an expression of the overall health of the body and mind of the individual as opposed to a modification of external looks in the hope of creating inner health and happiness. Today, the meaning of beauty is often shallow and is considered to mean only good skin, nice hair and nails, a good figure and external good looks. We fail to consider internal beauty, which is fundamental to creating external beauty.

The Ayurvedic method intimately relates inner and outer beauty, the balance of which makes a person really beautiful. The wisdom of Ayurveda has always understood beauty to be the product of internal beauty plus general physical health and appropriate daily care rather than just a cosmetic façade. Caring for oneself and practising good eating and living habits will make us look and feel our best. Good health is the only route to good looks. Appropriate self-care and good health will help us mature with strength and vitality as we grow older. To keep your skin and body naturally healthy, consult an Ayurvedic doctor and get authentic Ayurveda treatment from Jiva Ayurveda.

About the Author
Janvi Sharma is a healthcare professional associated with Jiva Ayurveda. The company provides authentic Ayurveda treatment and products for all kinds of chronic diseases and conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, stress, migraine, high blood pressure, skin diseases, cancer, asthma, spondylitis, allergies, hair loss, and obesity, among others.