108 AYURVEDA

On the 25th of August 2025, I met with an accident that changed the route of my life, but am enthralled to say that it was for the better. I had a lot of time to toy with my thoughts and ideas after my partial hip replacement surgery caused by a bicycle accident. I have been dabbling in all things Ayurveda for quite some time. Based in Mumbai working in the field of Ayurvedic healing as the interface. Well rooted in the Ayurveda abode of Kerala as well, bringing in the seekers from world over to different Ayurveda institutions of Kerala and other parts of India as well. The idea of coming out with a book came out during this period of convalescence as I strived to get myself back on my feet with Ayurveda. I have had a first-hand experience in so many Ayurveda establishments, by way of setting up centres and staying in well over 50 ayurveda Hospitals and Resorts, experiencing the treatments, understanding the therapies, interacting with the physicians there. And observing the processes to understand to enhance the therapeutic experience and enrich the patient with the magnificence of ayurveda. I am well known and respected among the ayurveda fraternity worldwide.

There are 108 marma points in the body containing, the life force energy (prana), pivotal in Ayurvedic healing. 107 marma points on the physical body and the 108th being the mind. These amazing marma points, highlighted in the Sushruta Samhita, are internally linked spots in the anatomy involving muscles, ligaments, bones, and joints, and are stimulated, through touch or massage, to heal as well as promote

health and longevity. Moving on from the physical to astral....

Sri Yantra has 54 intersecting energy lines where three lines intersect. Each having feminine, (Shak=) and masculine (Shiva) gunas. 54 X 2 =108. Therefore, there are 108 points that define the human body and the Sri Yantra (the Yantra of Creation).

The same rule is noted in the Sanskrit language. 54 letters, both representing the two genders collectively forming the auspicious figure of 108.

The number 108 is a sacred spiritual number in Hinduism, found in astronomical, yogic, spiritual, and Hindu calendar traditions, symbolizing cosmic and divine connection. It is used in mala beads for spiritual gains by changing the holy names of the Gods with the 108 beads which constitute one round, japa mala meditation it is called, an integral part of Bhakti Yoga, creating a cosmic connection with the seeker and the universe beyond ordinary perception.

It is said that there are 108 Upanishads, our ancient Hindu texts.

More on the yogic significance of 108 here;

108: The Number that Unifies The Big Picture with The Present Moment | Wanderlust https://wanderlust.com/journal/108-numberunifies-big-picture-present-moment/

Getting on to "108 Ayurveda Destinations of India — A Healing Journey", an Ayurveda Travelog and more by Raconteur Gerard as he embarks on a voyage, with a mission to encapsulate his experiences in the form of a book, with videos, blogs, and a website. A storybook, compendium, manual, textbook, directory... that's the Ayurveda khichdi on offer. Right from the Himalayas in the north to the south of India. On a SUV with an electric bicycle and a co-driver perched in it. 108 Chapters of Ayurveda to regale the discerning seeker with.

Nothing disparaging about this endeavour. There will also be Ayurveda institutions of learning, and a few manufacturers of quality ayurveda medicines.

Do I have to say more? Yes!

I feel sorry for the ones who turn up in India seeking a physical and posthumous makeover/nirvana with Ayurveda, yoga, etc. Holed up in a room, with the periodic working over on the massage table and yoga sessions. Not to mention the food, often underwhelming in the name of sattva, pathya, authenticity and what not! And of course, you will need some resilience, to be gushing about it!

Can do better! With the right information is all that the Gerard has to say. Signing off for now...

...The woods are lovely, dark and deep.

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

Frost makes sense in a world of senselessness. Just as your truly.

Gerard Joseph

Founder & Chief Curator