Drs. Svoboda & Welch Q&A 2024-12-18 Parāvāṇī & Treating with Opposites

Drs. Svoboda & Welch Q&A 2024-12-18 Parāvāṇī & Treating with Opposites

Summary of the Session

This session focused on the nuanced principles of Ayurveda and deep introspection into human communication, particularly through the concept of Parāvāṇī. Dr. Robert Svoboda and Dr. Claudia Welch explored how the Ayurvedic principle of “like increases like, and opposites balance” applies differently in states of health versus imbalance. A detailed discussion examined how individual experiences, preferences, and contexts influence the practical application of this principle.

Additionally, the session delved into the four levels of speech: Vaikharī, Madhyamā, Paśyantī, and Parāvāṇī. This framework was explored as a method for deepening communication and understanding one’s intentions and interactions. The speakers emphasized grounding practices, breathing techniques, and awareness as tools to access these deeper levels of expression, ultimately cultivating compassion and presence in relationships.


Key Discussion Points

  1. Core Ayurvedic Principle: Understanding “like increases like, and opposites balance” in health versus imbalance, with practical nuances based on individual constitution and context.
  2. Contextual Balance: How preferences, such as a minimalistic environment for a vāta prakṛti individual, reflect deeper needs for balance, not extremes.
  3. Stages of Life Impact: Ayurvedic doṣa imbalances can shift with age, environment, and life stages, necessitating tailored approaches to balance.
  4. Role of Perception: Sushruta’s teaching to trust personal experience over texts emphasizes individual self-awareness in Ayurvedic practice.
  5. Four Types of Speech: Dr. Welch and Dr. Svoboda shared perspectives on Vaikharī, Madhyamā, Paśyantī, and Parāvāṇī, emphasizing intentionality and perception.
  6. Integration of Breath and Speech: Deep breathing and grounding techniques help align speech with deeper levels of awareness, fostering effective communication.
  7. Practical Applications of Parāvāṇī: Strategies for cultivating presence and compassion through deep listening and internal clarity.
  8. Compassion as Perception: Compassion was reframed as the ability to perceive another’s suffering deeply and respond authentically.
  9. Swara Yoga: The Shiva Swarodaya was recommended as a valuable text for understanding the connection between breath, intention, and perception.
  10. Dynamic Contexts: The importance of adapting principles and practices to changing life circumstances, environments, and interpersonal dynamics.

Learning Objectives

  1. Understand the principle of “like increases like, and opposites balance” in Ayurveda and how it applies differently in health versus imbalance.
  2. Explore the four levels of speech and their role in fostering deeper communication and intentional interactions.
  3. Apply grounding and breathing techniques to enhance self-awareness, compassion, and relational clarity.

Quotes from the Session

  1. Dr. Robert Svoboda: “The ultimate effect of ‘like increases like’ is determined by the amount—excess of anything can aggravate, even the things we love.”
  2. Dr. Claudia Welch: “Developing compassion begins with nurturing our ability to perceive clearly, without interference from rājas or tamas.”
  3. Dr. Robert Svoboda: “Quieting your awareness allows you to align properly with reality and express it accurately.”
  4. Dr. Claudia Welch: “Breathing deeply into your hara opens the pathways for prāṇa to move smoothly, creating space for true connection.”
  5. Dr. Robert Svoboda: “All speech begins with an intention. To connect with Parāvāṇī, examine your intentions honestly and without compromise.”

References Mentioned in the Session

  1. Ayurvedic Texts
    • The principle of “like increases like, and opposites balance” was discussed, referencing core Ayurvedic concepts found in texts like Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita.
  2. Temple Grandin’s Work
    • Temple Grandin, a neuroatypical individual and designer of humane livestock handling systems, was mentioned for her insights on creating environments of comfort and safety. The movie Temple Grandin starring Claire Danes was cited.
  3. Swara Yoga: The Tantric Science of Brain Breathing
    • Dr. Robert Svoboda recommended the Shiva Swarodaya, an ancient text on Swara Yoga, which explores the relationship between breath, intention, and perception.
  4. Four Levels of Speech
    • Vaikharī, Madhyamā, Paśyantī, and Parāvāṇī, as taught in traditional lineages, were extensively discussed. Variations between lineages were highlighted, such as Parāvāṇī being associated with the hara or mūlādhāra.
  5. Rotary Club Four-Way Test
    • Dr. Svoboda referenced the Rotary Club’s ethical guidelines for speech: Is it the truth? Is it fair? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Is it beneficial to all concerned?
  6. Concepts of Compassion and Perception
    • Compassion was explored through the lens of the Goddess Guan Yin, with her name translated as “she who perceives the suffering of the world.”
  7. Dinacharya (Daily Routine)
    • A regular routine was recommended for dissolving rājas (agitation) and tamas (dullness), fostering clarity and deeper perception.
  8. Stages of Life and Doṣas
    • The transition from kapha to pitta time of life and how it influences the capacity to live in different environments, such as vāta-dominated climates, was discussed.


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