Achara Rasayana: A substantial reference that can determine character formation in children

Abstract

Character, being an aggregate of physical & mental traits that can distinguish and individualize a person, marks its emergence right from early childhood. Since formation of character is a gradual process, influence of parents, teachers, friends, the people they talk to frequently, the food habits they follow, the circumstances they pass through, the books they read, the cinemas and videos they watch, influence of social media, the environment they live in etc. plays a very vital role in shaping a child’s personality. Ayurvedic concepts like Dinacharya, Rithucharya, Sadvritta, Achara Rasayana, remain as concepts in the texts and it is a necessity now, to inculcate these habits in daily life of children, in the early period of growth itself as it can pave a path to healthy physique & happy mental status throughout their livelihood. Achara Rasayana, a set of factors that include all these influential factors listed one by one, is till date valid yet unexplored to its fullest applicability. Aim: To evaluate the contents of Achara Rasayana and explore the ways in which it can influence character framing in children. Conclusion: The values prescribed in Achara Rasayana serves as milestones for step-by-step modification of character, if followed from early childhood. These factors are to be practiced daily, or included in the new education system as they can influence in creating quality minds and sustain it throughout the life, maintaining physical, mental, social, spiritual upgradation ending in health. Parents, educators, near surroundings of the children, should be aware of the actuality and train them with these core values to build in a healthy society.