Agni – Ayurveda’s Most Vital and Dynamic Principle

What if we told you that you could change your life by reading just one blog post? 

While that might be a bit far fetched, we’re convinced that we could all benefit from incorporating principles of Ayurveda into our lives. It could quite literally make us live longer.

Bodhi Surf + Yoga co-owner and lead yoga instructor, Pilar Salazar, has been devotedly studying and exploring the ancient science of Ayurveda. For as long as she has practiced yoga, Pilar has been deeply interested in Ayurveda; however she only recently committed to studying and practicing this timeless tradition dedicatedly.

As a result (and luckily for us!), Pilar is sharing everything that she’s learned here in blog form, inviting us all along this fascinating journey with her.

In this second blog following Pilar’s exploration of the ancient science of Ayurveda, we journey into its most vital, dynamic principle – Agni.

Ayurveda – The Journey So Far

In our previous blog we learned that Ayurveda is essentially the ancient science of longevity.

In other words, it’s the science of life grounded through the holistic lens of spirituality, mental and physical wellbeing, and the reconnection with our natural state.

If you’re new to Ayurveda and keen to develop your understanding of this science, we recommend having a read of our first introductory blog before getting into this one with us. 

It’ll give you a good base understanding for you to build on as we continue to explore this ancient science, expanding our knowledge more and more with each blog post.

Already geeked out on our first blog? Awesome – let’s now take it a step further and dive into Agni and master our sacred inner flame. 

Agni is the energy that transforms everything you consume — from your morning coffee to your toughest emotions, into the very fuel for your vitality, clarity, and well-being. 

Join us as Pilar shares why mastering this inner flame is the key to sustaining your health, on and off the mat.

So, What is Agni?

Pilar explains that:

“Of all the topics I explored while studying Ayurveda, Agni — our internal fire, is by far my favorite. It’s the one I find myself coming back to again and again, both in theory and in practice.” 

Pilar would even go so far as to say that the foundation of Ayurvedic therapy is Agni therapy. In her understanding, it’s a continual process of exploration and experimentation to answer two essential questions:

• What supports your fire, and what dims it?
• What choices help you strengthen and sustain it?

Tending the Sacred Flame Within

In simple terms, Agni is the internal fire we carry within.

Its primary function is to support digestion. But not just the digestion of food, it also supports us to digest thoughts, emotions, and experiences. In the practice of yoga, it’s important that we digest and process these things as it takes us further along the journey of enlightenment to reach an elevated sense of being – learn more here!

When Agni is strong, digestion works efficiently, and nutrients are properly absorbed.

And when Agni is weak, digestion slows down, and a sticky waste product called Ama (toxicity) builds up in the body. The more Ama accumulates, the weaker the Agni becomes — creating a vicious cycle of imbalance.

A deeper look at Ama

In simple terms, Ama is everything that Agni isn’t.

The strength of the body’s Agni is a critical factor in determining overall health, while Ama can be described as a disease forming substance that harms Agni.

Ama literally translates to “unripe,” “uncooked,” “raw,” or “undigested.” It’s a form of un-metabolized waste that cannot be properly utilized or eliminated by the body.

Ama forms as a result of impaired Agni – or in other words, a weak digestive fire. This is why ensuring a healthy Agni and protecting that sacred flame within is crucial for our health and longevity.

Signs of a Healthy Agni

Pilar explains that when our Agni is functioning optimally, we experience:

• A strong metabolism
• A comfortable, stable weight
• Lightness in the body
• Clear thinking and focused attention
• Resilience against disease and imbalance

Agni also follows the circadian rhythms of the day. 

It begins to wake with the sunrise, builds steadily, and reaches its peak around midday. This is why Ayurveda recommends making lunch your largest meal, when your digestive fire (Agni) is at its strongest.

Agni Is More Than Digestion

Agni is not just about digesting food — it’s the energy of transformation within us. 

It allows us to metabolize information, process experiences, and integrate the world around us. 

It’s what turns external inputs into internal nourishment, both physically and mentally.

How to Keep Your Agni Strong

To support and sustain healthy Agni, Ayurveda offers some foundational lifestyle practices:

What About Mental Agni?

Just as we digest food, we also digest ideas, emotions, and experiences. 

A strong mental Agni helps us process life’s ups and downs with clarity and creativity.

So how do we strengthen this inner fire of the mind?

Just like with supporting a healthy physical Agni, Ayurveda offers some foundational lifestyle practices for strengthening the mind:

1. Stay creative – creativity fuels mental fire. 

Whether through art, writing, problem-solving, or playful exploration — stoking your imagination helps you grow beyond limitations.

2. Stay curious – learn something new.

Explore your surroundings. Read books that light you up. Engage in conversations that challenge and inspire you.

3. Meditate consistently – even 15 minutes of meditation a day can make a difference.

And throughout your day, seek out mini meditative moments — while waiting in line, sitting in traffic, or pausing between tasks. Take those little pauses in your day to turn inward and reconnect with your inner fire.

Instead of automatically grabbing your phone to scroll, try just sitting and noticing what’s around you. It might feel boring, but doing nothing for a few moments actually builds patience — and let’s be honest, we could all use a bit more of that these days.

Agni is Your Power Source

In summary, your Agni is your power source. It helps you digest food, thoughts, and life itself. When tended to with care and intention, it brings vitality, clarity, and strength. 

So notice it. Feed it. Align your life in a way that honors this sacred flame within.

Not sure how to go about that? Here’s a start: go outside, connect with nature, connect with yourself, give back, be inspired, empower yourself to feel a sense of belonging.

In this process you’re sure to experience some form of awakening – say hello to the authentic you!

Pilar and the rest of the team here at Bodhi Surf + Yoga have crafted our award-winning surf + yoga experiences to empower you to do exactly this.

While we’re not a ‘take you by the hand and do it for you’ kind of experience, we are extremely well versed in allowing and supporting you to get there yourself – we just give you the tools and the expertise to help you out.

Through surfing, yoga, nature immersion, and community engagement, our camps invite you to find your own awakening – and master your sacred flame within.