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Prakriti: Your Ayurvedic Constitution
Dr. Svoboda's original work on the constitutional types in Ayurveda has been considered a classic for many years. His new revision and expansion of the subject comes after much further research and practical experience. Dr. Vasant Lad points "The healing science of Ayurveda is based totally upon the knowledge of "prakriti", the individual constitution. If every individual knows his own constitution, then one can understand, for instance, what is a good diet and style of life for oneself. One man's food is another man's poison. Therefore, to make one's life healthy, happy and balanced, the knowledge of constitution is absolutely necessary." (Dr. Vasant Lad is the author of The Science of Self-Healing, and co-author of The Yoga of Herbs.)
224 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1988
334 people are currently reading
1852 people want to read
About the author
Robert E. Svoboda
41 books310 followersDuring and after my formal Ayurvedic training I was tutored in Ayurveda, Yoga, Jyotisha, Tantra and allied subjects by my mentor, the Aghori Vimalananda. He also owned thoroughbred race horses, and I served as his Authorized Racing Agent at the Royal Western India Turf Club in Bombay and Poona between 1975 and 1985.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
October 10, 2011
Gorgeous. Poetic. Deep. The first book I ever read on Ayurveda and I continue to re-read it because Svoboda really brings the beauty of Ayurveda to life. There's also great practical knowledge that's easy to apply. I can't recommend this book more highly for those who want to live healthier and more harmonious lives.
October 14, 2010
Wow. Right from the start, the way this man put words together captured me--I felt like he was a father figure because of the combination of care and prudence in his word choice. The cadence of language and his construction of the ideas is lovely and this is essential because the ideas are complex and at times run the potential of clashing with the things we assume contribute to our health, but don't always. Ayurveda was always in the back of my mind a science of health vagaries based on loose relationships but after reading other texts and papers and spending time with a couple of practitioners, I find it an extremely powerful approach to health. This book, despite its small size, is a lot to digest and is at once highly enjoyable and deeply comprehensive--it repeats a lot of the ideas in other Ayurveda books and courses but it does so within the context of a holistic notion of health, lifestyle (down to daily habits), spiritual practice and ultimate goals for maximum realization of human potential. Wherever you fall along the lines of human ambition, Dr. Svoboda doesn't stand over you judging, he encourages you and informs you and leaves it totally up to you. I'm really grateful that he wrote this and that events lead to my reading it.
January 20, 2013
Allora... buon libro divulgativo su un importante aspetto dell'Ayurveda, ossia la Prakriti individuale (la costituzione dell'individuo). In un certo senso attraverso la trattazione di quest'aspetto vengono viste altre cose legate all'Ayurveda e alla medicina ayurvedica. Svoboda è scorrevole, interessante, a tratti ironico e non particolarmente fanatico. Tutto ok finché non sono entrata nel capitolo sull'immortalità. Poiché Svoboda porta avanti discorsi non suoi, la parte che tratta l'immortalità mi ha lasciata in verità piuttosto perplessa. Va bene il mantenimento della salute, va bene allungare la propria vita il più possibile, va bene curare i propri squilibri nel modo più adatto alla nostra costituzione. Ma ha un senso tentare di mantenersi immortali? Come mai culture molto antiche e dispensatrici di grande saggezza hanno cercato questa strada? A che scopo? E' strano ma l'impatto di questo capitolo ha finito per oscurare il resto del libro che peraltro costituisce un buon approccio iniziale all'Ayurveda.
April 25, 2012
Dr. Svoboda's book is a wonderful introduction for people new to the 'science of life' as well as a wonderful reference book to have on hand.
August 18, 2017
The least fluffy, deepest, most grounded, and rawest book on ayurveda I have read so far. Goes way beyond finding out your dosha. Lots of in depth explanation and instruction.
April 23, 2013
Prakriti is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning more about Ayurvedic principles for health and wellness. This book is fairly comprehensive and covers much more than just dosha identification and diet.
The disease and rejuvenation sections were particularly interesting for developing an alternate understanding of how illnesses such as IBS, allergies, and asthma develop and can be successfully treated without pharmaceutical interventions. As a Kapha-Vata entering the Vata lifecycle, I enjoyed reading about the exercise and personal routines that are most fitting for me to explore. In true Kapha fashion, I have no problems READING about the exercise, it's the implementation part that's a bit of a challenge! Fortunately, I have Vata to help get me moving. :-)
For someone new to this health-care system (like me) this text is a very good complement to routine, in-person care with a trained Ayurvedic practitioner. Once you begin to understand your dosha, and where your body is in the life cycle, it becomes easier to see what eating and lifestyle habits contribute to keeping your body at ease or dis-ease. Once we understand our nature, we are better able to provide the nurture it needs to live a full and satisfying life.
The disease and rejuvenation sections were particularly interesting for developing an alternate understanding of how illnesses such as IBS, allergies, and asthma develop and can be successfully treated without pharmaceutical interventions. As a Kapha-Vata entering the Vata lifecycle, I enjoyed reading about the exercise and personal routines that are most fitting for me to explore. In true Kapha fashion, I have no problems READING about the exercise, it's the implementation part that's a bit of a challenge! Fortunately, I have Vata to help get me moving. :-)
For someone new to this health-care system (like me) this text is a very good complement to routine, in-person care with a trained Ayurvedic practitioner. Once you begin to understand your dosha, and where your body is in the life cycle, it becomes easier to see what eating and lifestyle habits contribute to keeping your body at ease or dis-ease. Once we understand our nature, we are better able to provide the nurture it needs to live a full and satisfying life.
May 19, 2020
This book should become your bible if you are into healthcare reading. Indian culture is so rich, our science and medicine is very natural - that every one should atleast know about it. This book classify you into Vatta Pitta and Kapha and then tell you what you eat, and what not, how you should exercise and how not; And even how you can improve your sex life. I haven’t practiced what’s mentioned in the book but I have full faith that if I practice, then all my Doshas would be rectified. Would highly recommend this to everyone. Read it and keep on referring to this. Make your own notes inside it and be healthy.
May 4, 2010
a good explanation into the doshas (especially covering dual dosha constitutions), imbalance, and how to help heal. definitely worth the read if you're a beginner studying ayurveda.
February 5, 2017
I can rarely say that I know a substantial amount more on a subject after finishing a book. Prakriti is an exception. This was one of the smartest purchases I made so far in 2017 & a reference book I plan to return to in the years to come. (And I have read a fair bit on Ayurveda!) Highly recommended.
November 22, 2012
Easy to read, comprehensive book. Clear explanation about Prakriti and why it is important. Everything is clearly explained and that makes it easy to implement the changes to your diet and lifestyle that will bring balance. Love this book.
April 3, 2013
In my humble opinion, it's the best introductory Ayurveda book out there. You get the sense that the author actually knows what he's talking about as opposed to having recently jumped on the alternative medicine bandwagon. Definitely recommend.
February 11, 2016
This is an intriguing look into Ayurvedic medicine. Full of advice and recommendations to keep all the different types healthy. It should also help increase people's suspicion of redheads and the folklore that hold that they are constitutionally different from the rest of us.
October 1, 2018
Great book on how to use food as medicine. One of the more easier books to read that I've picked up on ayurveda. Robert E. Svoboda thank you for bringing light on so many things concerning food and what we put inside of us.
August 10, 2016
Very informative.
February 14, 2021
If you’re looking for a general rundown on Ayurvedic ideas and principals, this may be a good book for you. Like some readers, I enjoyed the poetic love Dr. Svoboda has for a Ayurveda. The book is filled with insights on just about every Ayurvedic topic.
Digesting the content felt like sitting with Dr. Svoboda and having him tell me every little thing he can seem to recall about Ayurveda. Almost as though I am a student, scribbling the notes down as fast as I can as he talks.
As a reader, this doesn’t do much for me in regards to retaining what I’m learning. It’s a bit too conversational, organizationally, jumping back and forth between each constitution. Like having lunch with someone who is going to “tell you everything he knows” in that condensed amount of time.
He says early on that the subject is too complicated to address in any other way—but I felt as though this book was written much the way I read it (him speaking at someone who transcribes what he is saying, then it was edited).
With Ayurveda being as old as it is, I would imagine this information is entirely too vast to share in one little book. The overarching understanding I was hoping for is probably found in more of a text book style book. So if you’re like me, wanting to know everything, this is not the book for you. However, if you’re cool with a low-key conversational approach to learning about Ayurveda, this is a great option.
I bought an edition that says “enlarged and revised” and the print is still so small. There are some little typos and things of that nature.
Digesting the content felt like sitting with Dr. Svoboda and having him tell me every little thing he can seem to recall about Ayurveda. Almost as though I am a student, scribbling the notes down as fast as I can as he talks.
As a reader, this doesn’t do much for me in regards to retaining what I’m learning. It’s a bit too conversational, organizationally, jumping back and forth between each constitution. Like having lunch with someone who is going to “tell you everything he knows” in that condensed amount of time.
He says early on that the subject is too complicated to address in any other way—but I felt as though this book was written much the way I read it (him speaking at someone who transcribes what he is saying, then it was edited).
With Ayurveda being as old as it is, I would imagine this information is entirely too vast to share in one little book. The overarching understanding I was hoping for is probably found in more of a text book style book. So if you’re like me, wanting to know everything, this is not the book for you. However, if you’re cool with a low-key conversational approach to learning about Ayurveda, this is a great option.
I bought an edition that says “enlarged and revised” and the print is still so small. There are some little typos and things of that nature.
April 25, 2025
Robert Svoboda's "Prakriti: Your Ayurvedic Constitution" audiobook is a nuanced exploration of Ayurvedic constitutional theory. As someone who has studied Ayurveda extensively, I appreciated Svoboda's thoughtful analysis of the doshas and their permutations. His discussion of the interplay between prakriti and individual experience is particularly astute.
The audiobook's production values are superb. Svoboda's narration is clear and well-paced, making complex concepts more accessible. His voice is pleasant to listen to, and the sound quality is excellent.
In comparison to other works on Ayurvedic constitution, such as Dr. David Frawley's "Ayurveda: The Science of Self-Healing" or Vasant Lad and Dr. David Frawley's "The Yoga of Herbs", Svoboda's book offers a more detailed examination of prakriti. Sebastian Pole's "Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditional Practice" provides a broader overview of Ayurvedic practice, but Svoboda's focus on constitutional theory is more in-depth.
If I were to suggest improvements, I'd note that Svoboda could further explore the relationship between samskaras and prakriti. Additionally, a more comprehensive glossary would be helpful for readers unfamiliar with Sanskrit terms.
Overall, I highly recommend "Prakriti: Your Ayurvedic Constitution" to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Ayurvedic constitutional theory. Svoboda's expertise and engaging narration make this audiobook a valuable resource for both practitioners and scholars.
The audiobook's production values are superb. Svoboda's narration is clear and well-paced, making complex concepts more accessible. His voice is pleasant to listen to, and the sound quality is excellent.
In comparison to other works on Ayurvedic constitution, such as Dr. David Frawley's "Ayurveda: The Science of Self-Healing" or Vasant Lad and Dr. David Frawley's "The Yoga of Herbs", Svoboda's book offers a more detailed examination of prakriti. Sebastian Pole's "Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditional Practice" provides a broader overview of Ayurvedic practice, but Svoboda's focus on constitutional theory is more in-depth.
If I were to suggest improvements, I'd note that Svoboda could further explore the relationship between samskaras and prakriti. Additionally, a more comprehensive glossary would be helpful for readers unfamiliar with Sanskrit terms.
Overall, I highly recommend "Prakriti: Your Ayurvedic Constitution" to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Ayurvedic constitutional theory. Svoboda's expertise and engaging narration make this audiobook a valuable resource for both practitioners and scholars.
July 15, 2021
I have only read this in parts and used it as a resource to study, but it is quite a beautiful book written quite poetically. For the practically minded this book may contain many elements that could be turn-offs, but for those with an open mind or perhaps those that already have studied yoga and would like to know about the sister science, Ayurveda, this is an enjoyable read that will at least bring greater understanding of your constitutional makeup to you and allow you to make more educated decisions about your health.
Although the elements of the book on treating specific diseases are really lacking in content and I would not recommend this book as a guide to healing diseases beyond just balancing your doshas.
And for those that are not as into the esoteric understandings of eastern Vedic mysticism, this book will likely lose you towards the end as it delves into concepts such as Soma, Kundalini and immortality, but for some, that could also be a huge draw point.
Although the elements of the book on treating specific diseases are really lacking in content and I would not recommend this book as a guide to healing diseases beyond just balancing your doshas.
And for those that are not as into the esoteric understandings of eastern Vedic mysticism, this book will likely lose you towards the end as it delves into concepts such as Soma, Kundalini and immortality, but for some, that could also be a huge draw point.
December 26, 2021
I found this to be an insightful introduction into the ancient practice of Ayurveda. I particularly enjoyed familiarizing myself with the three doshas as well as finding where my own qualities fit within this frame of ancient medicine that stands the test of time. I find myself making lots of connections within this book as well as enjoy the bouts of wisdom and affirmations passed down from rishis long ago. This book better helps me understand how to keep my mind, body, and spirit in balance as well as helps me understand the things that western medicine often overlooks. Overall since reading this wonderful guide, I am able to better understand my own constitution. I find myself more calm and rational in my decision making, I find myself making more practical steps to self care, as well as I am careful about my energies and intentions. If you are in the least bit interested in Ayurveda, I absolutely recommend this thought provoking, spirit mending guide.
December 14, 2017
The content of the book is great and many of the things are quiet new for me.
This book will give you all the pointers to find your body type(Dosha) viz Vata,Pitta And Kapha or may be combination of these three.
At some points you lose interest because of the writing style of the author.Some time book jump into deep philosophy and forgets its informative tinge.That’s the reason I rated it 3 but it’s actually 3.8😁
A must read book if you want to know your basic making according to Ayurveda and how you can make it work best as per you.
This book will give you all the pointers to find your body type(Dosha) viz Vata,Pitta And Kapha or may be combination of these three.
At some points you lose interest because of the writing style of the author.Some time book jump into deep philosophy and forgets its informative tinge.That’s the reason I rated it 3 but it’s actually 3.8😁
A must read book if you want to know your basic making according to Ayurveda and how you can make it work best as per you.
November 1, 2023
Very informative and sparkling depth into the human body and mind. It does help you understand your body, body mind connection and your nature. It also offers some ayurvedic remedies, lifestyle changes according to ones constitution while explaining everything in detail.
After finishing this book one should get a clear picture about the holistic approach of ayurveda along with some broder perspective on life in general.
After finishing this book one should get a clear picture about the holistic approach of ayurveda along with some broder perspective on life in general.
March 25, 2018
This was a good intro into Aruveda. Some of the writing was hard for me to understand being so new to the topic. Wish it would have broken down things a bit more after you learned whether you were Pitta, Kapha, or Vata. Loved learning about the Doshas. Probably pick up some more books on that topic.
February 10, 2019
wonderful. very heavy and it took me a while to read simply because, as one without any prior ayurvedic knowledge, i needed time to digest everything. i will definitely be rereading this throughout time and referring back to particular sections. i’m already excited to go back and reread some of the earlier chapters now that i feel i have more comprehensive knowledge.
January 27, 2024
I feel like there are 2 huge names in the West who write about Ayurveda. David Frawley and Robert Svoboda. This was my second book and unlike Frawley, Svoboda points out to the esoteric part of the Vedas. I enjoyed his point of view and eventhough the last chapter was a bit “too much” for me, I am grateful for Svoboda’s work and sharings. A must read for any yoga teacher or aspirant.
May 25, 2020
Best book i read on Ayurveda so far. You have everything in this book to learn on the subtle aspects of Life through which Ayurveda works or helps us understand creation. Enjoyed reading it and will refer to it again and again.
March 17, 2021
This book is a gem on Ayurveda. Author shares his deep knowledge on ayurveda in simple words and explains how to identify body constitution called prakriti in so depth and precautionary actions to take care of body.
September 20, 2022
Prakriti: Your Ayurvedic constitution by Robert E. Svoboda.
A lovely introduction to Ayurveda including your constitution and how it is affected by all aspects of your life. Learning more about your daily routine, nutrition, disease and those around you will help you appreciate life more..
A lovely introduction to Ayurveda including your constitution and how it is affected by all aspects of your life. Learning more about your daily routine, nutrition, disease and those around you will help you appreciate life more..
August 27, 2023
Stuff I never knew.
May your life be as enhanced as mine as you incorporate this fabulous technology into you life. This book is a book of actions to be taken not just information to be known. May God bless you in your journey.
May your life be as enhanced as mine as you incorporate this fabulous technology into you life. This book is a book of actions to be taken not just information to be known. May God bless you in your journey.
March 17, 2024
Reading for part of my yoga training. It was quite informative. A great introduction to Prakriti and Personal Constitutions. Provides insight into another culture. A lot you can absorb if you read carefully.
July 16, 2024
Este libro no era lo que me esperaba. Para mi gusto ha sido excesivamente extenso.
No creo que sea un libro que recomendaría a alguien que quiere iniciarse en el mundo de la medicina india, ya que se hace tedioso y complejo.
No creo que sea un libro que recomendaría a alguien que quiere iniciarse en el mundo de la medicina india, ya que se hace tedioso y complejo.
September 19, 2025
Very insightful
I love the author and i have read many of his books. His book on ayurveda explaims well the spiritual aspect if ayurveda and the relationship between the mind and the body.
I love the author and i have read many of his books. His book on ayurveda explaims well the spiritual aspect if ayurveda and the relationship between the mind and the body.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews