Achara Rasayana is a distinctive concept in Ayurveda that emphasizes moral, ethical, and benevolent conduct, such as truthfulness, nonviolence, personal and public cleanliness, mental and personal hygiene, devotion, compassion, and a yogic lifestyle. These behaviors contribute to the rejuvenation of the body-mind system. A person who adopts such conduct gains all the benefits of Rasayana therapy without the need to consume any physical Rasayana remedies or recipes. Although Achara Rasayana can be practiced independently, it can also be combined with material Rasayana therapy. The essence of Achara Rasayana lies in modifying our behaviors to reverse disease processes and maintain balance.

TYPES OF RASAYANAS

Rasayanas are classified into two types:

1. Dravyabhoota

Dravyabhoota Rasayanas are substances that purify and nourish tissues,

2. Adravyabhoota

Adravyabhoota Rasayanas are behavioral conducts that act like Rasayanas. Achara Rasayana, an Adravyabhoota type of Rasayana, strengthens both the inner and outer aspects of life. It is behavior that promotes health, happiness, and longevity. Achara Rasayana is described as a means to maintain psychological and moral well-being. It helps achieve control over the mind, which is responsible for approximately 90% of psychosomatic diseases. The primary aim of Achara Rasayana is mental satisfaction and worry-free living. I

There are five canons that describe Achara Rasayana: 

1. Good Mental Conduct
2. Good Social Conduct
3. Good Personal Conduct
4. Good Moral Conduct
5. Good Religious Conduct

 MENTAL CONDUCT

• Be truthful (SATYAVADI)
• Be calm (AKRODHI)
• Avoid violence and prefer peace (AHIMSAKA)
• Be cheerful and happy (ANAYASA)
• Stay calm, cool, and quiet (PRASHANTA)
• Speak kindly and pleasantly, without hurting others (PRIYAVADI)
• Practice regular meditation or recite the name of God or holy hymns (JAPA PARA)

SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL ASPECTS

• Be trustworthy (SATYAVADI)
• Be honest in social and family relations (SATYAVADI)
• Avoid alcohol and observe abstinence (NIVRUTTAM MADHYA MAITHUNATH)
• Respect saints, elders, and teachers (DEVA-GAU-BRAHMANA ACHARYA GURU VRUDDHA ARCHANARATAM)
• Be devoted to love and avoid violence (ANRUSHAMSAM)
• Be merciful and compassionate (NITYA KARUNAVEDI)
• Live without ego (ANAHANKRUTAM)
• Serve the elderly, parents, and wise people (UPASITARAM VRUDDHANAM)
• Have faith in a higher power or ultimate nature (ASTIKAANAM)
• Control the mind and avoid unnecessary sensory pleasures (JITAATMANAAM)

SPIRITUAL ASPECTS

• Be duty-bound and follow ethical principles related to your job (DHARMASHASTRAPARAM)
• Read texts or books that provide peace of mind (ADHYATMA PRAVANENDRIYAM)
• Practice regular meditation (TAPASWINAM)
• Help those in need and engage in charity (DAANA NITYAM)

PERSONAL ASPECTS

• Maintain proper hygiene (SHOUCHAPARAM)
• Ensure balanced sleep, avoid excessive laziness and sleepiness, wake up early, and go to bed early (AMAJAGARANA SWAPNA)
• Consider seasonal changes and living conditions to maintain health, and make necessary adjustments (DESHA KALA PRAMANAJNAM)
• Be skillful and wise to avoid being deceived (YUKTIJNAM)
• Exercise good self-control (JITATMANAM)

Ultimately, Achara Rasayana teaches that the foundation of lasting health and inner peace lies in consistently embodying ethical and mindful behaviour.