In Ayurveda, inner and outer beauty are intimately related. The more we nurture ourselves, the more radiant we become physically and expressivelyóregardless of our particular body shape or proportions. In keeping with the general orientation of estern philosophy and healing, beauty can be viewed as having three aspects; an outer, inner and secret aspect. When one balances the outer and inner, one has accomplished the secret aspect.
Outer beauty is what we most commonly associate with the field of beauty. It is the perfection of what is visually perceived. It includes the obvious traits such as contours of the body, texture of the skin, and the quality of the hair and nails. But in Ayurveda it also includes grace in posture and movement and the subtle qualities of freshness and vitality and magnetizing brightness of being. Inner beauty relates to inner qualities of being, including emotional states and mental abilities. Like physical qualities, they are largely determined at birth and are considered to be the result of actions and aspirations from previous lives. As physical form can be molded by diet and lifestyle, we can also train our minds to cultivate positive states of being.
The secret aspect of beauty refers to the energy, insight, and inspiration it takes to balance the inner and outer. Developing this special quality takes time, patience, and a willingness to learn from experience. This is the mark of real maturity that ripens into deep lasting beauty that is experienced from within and seen by all from without.
Ayurvedic Beauty Care presents both ancient and modern Ayurvedic secrets for beauty-care. The aim of this book is to elevate our Western understanding of beauty to new levels with the deeper Ayurvedic insights. These insights hold powerful health promoting and enhancing methods and luxurious beauty techniques such that all levels of beauty (outer, inner, secret) can be realized in our increasingly fast paced and chaotic world.
There are two audiences that are addressed in this volume. First and foremost, every person should be able to find what brings out their true beauty. In this light, the book is intended to be a self-care manual. At the same time, those interested in or practising as beauty therapists or aestheticians should receive the benefits of the deep insights and marvelous results Ayurveda can offer their clients. |
