Three doshas walk into a bar....
An Ayurveda blog entry about doshas and the mind connexion by Nina Elliot.
Vata, Pitta and Kapha decide to try out a new restaurant downtown, called Triguna, which promises to be a unique visit, as it is a multisensory fine-dining experience. Patrons have been marveling at how great the food is, as well as how such sophisticated technology has been able to access the mind so deeply.
Prana, the host, greets them at the door, and explains the evening’s events. The doshas will visit three rooms, each representing a Universal quality of the Mind. Together, accompanied by key Subdoshas at their service, they will be transported into spaces which will reflect their inner selves, much like a mirror.
Prana continues:
Should you need help in articulating your emotions, Udana will be there.
If you need to get motivated to move along, Vyana’s got you.
Apana will be laying low, but will spring into action if needed.
Need help in making a decision or supporting you emotional intelligence? Sadhaka Pitta’s your guy.
Perhaps you need support returning to calmness…Tarpaka Kapha will be there.
Should you just need a hug, reach for Avalambaka Kapha.
Prana adds that it will not be joining the doshas personally, but will be back in the control room - ensuring a smooth journey for them all. Buzzing with excitement, they hop onto a conveyor belt and follow the sounds of drum beats getting louder… They have reached the first room, Rajas. A blazing fireplace in one corner illuminates the room’s red walls. Movement is everywhere one looks, and although very interesting, a chaotic current runs throughout. One side of the room showcases a window into an ocean, with waves constantly rising and falling, the other side has an interactive wall, filled with activities, rides, puzzles, etc…
After they have explored the room, they sit down to eat.
Rajas’s menu consists of chicken with chili-garlic tapenade, dark chocolate bites, and wine or coffee.
Vata’s mind is racing, between the overload of the senses and their nervous energy, anxiety is building. Pitta, onto a second glass of red wine….looks over at Vata and muses “it looks like I will come out of this a whole lot saner than you, my friend’. Kapha is too busy popping chocolates in their mouth and into their coat pocket to say anything.
When it is time to leave, Tarpaka Kapha provides them with a warm towel for the face and hands, and sprays them with a soothing cleansing mist to clear the energy.
The group is then blindfolded, and led into the Tamas room. Though they can’t see, soft, luxurious fabrics pad the walls and the floor to soften any unsure footing. Elevator music lulls in the background, and a heaviness in the air permeates throughout.
They make their way to the table and are told the menu:
Assorted sweet pastries, potato au gratin, animal-based (dead foods).
Wilted spinach & arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette
Miso soup
Vata is suffering, as they are unable to choose between the salad or the pastries. This indecisiveness starts to escalate into grief and shame, until Sadhaka Pitta whispers a recommendation for the soup, to which Vata gratefully agrees. Pitta, despite not being able to see, suddenly becomes enraged as they believe Vata and Kapha were seated in more desirable seats and shouts in protest. Kapha doesn't notice Vata fretting or Pitta fuming…but does get enticed by how comfortable a couch feels before them and sinks into it, falling into a deep sleep.
After a while Vyana wakes up Kapha, and nudges the others to prepare for the next room.
Avalambaka Kapha gives them each a flower and forgives Pitta for their outburst.
‘How is your night so far?’ Udana asks.
‘Well, ahem, it is, it’s been, um….’ Vata starts…
‘A powerful and practical experience which will help you understand and navigate life?’, Udana offers...
‘Exactly!’ exclaims the group in unison, taking off their blindfolds.
They continue on together and they find themselves in an outdoor garden pathway, which they walk through with bare feet. Following a trail of sweet incense and pure light with increasing radiance, they come upon a serene lake before them, and they know they have reached the Sattva room. It is perfect.
As they snack on an ornate spread of fresh fruits, seeds, dates, honey and ghee, the group is able to see things as they really are, and they revel in this clarity. Vata finally feels joy and wonder, Pitta already longs to come back, and Kapha affectionately praises his friends, even offering to pay the night’s bill.
Prana returns and gives the group a gift. It is the parking validation, as well as a voucher for free, unlimited visits to the Sattva room at Triguna, providing that the doshas take care of each other and keep their own Rajas and Tamas rooms well kept. So pleased with their night, they make reservations to visit the sister restaurants Atma and Sarira, also equally popular.