Graduations are a time of celebration, reflection, and the recognition of remarkable journeys. Among the many traditions is the privilege of addressing one’s peers as the selected speaker, an honor that symbolizes leadership and inspiration. However, this year, we found ourselves with an abundance of heartfelt and exceptional speeches—so many, in fact, that not all could be delivered on stage.
Today, we’re thrilled to share one of those standout speeches from Devin Ratigan. Though it wasn’t presented at the ceremony, it perfectly captures the spirit of perseverance, gratitude, and unity that defines our graduating class. Sometimes, the most meaningful words don’t come from the spotlight but from the heart, and this speech is a testament to that.
We invite you to enjoy this incredible reflection from Devin Ratigan—proof that every voice in our community matters and that our shared journey is richer because of it.
First and foremost, I want to express congratulations to everyone for making it through another aspect of your Ayurvedic journey. All of this is possible due to the significant contributions of Dr. Marc Halpern, the teachers, the staff, and all beings who have passed down this knowledge from generation to generation. This journey is far from easy, and it places an immense responsibility upon each of your shoulders. Most of us grew up with a perception of reality vastly different from what Ayurveda conveys. As a result, we may find ourselves shedding outdated belief systems and integrating new ones. Alvin Toffler, a famous writer and futurist, once proclaimed “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” This highlights the importance of continually deepening what we know and shedding what we thought we knew, to create space for something far deeper.
One of the most important and seemingly paradoxical takeaways for us as practitioners is to be thankful for our imbalances. On the one hand, this will assist us in stepping outside of our dualist ways of thinking. On the other, it will help us reframe our relationship to our sources of suffering in a more positive and balanced light. We are, after all, our own most intimate and forever patients. By working on ourselves, we will know through gnosis, the difficult process and self-discipline required for Ayurvedic medicine to succeed. Gnosis, or direct experiential knowledge, is in my opinion, the only way to truly know something. With this, we are each called to question our deeply held belief systems and to be honest with what we think we know. This continuous cultivation of inner awareness, openness, and self-honesty will help us to remain forever students of the divine.
Ayurveda is needed now more than ever. The chronic disease epidemic across the world, especially in the United States, is quite alarming. 66% of adults are currently on some form of pharmaceutical drug and 1 in 3 adults meet the criteria for obesity. According to a study implemented by Johns Hopkins University, around 250,000 people in the United States die per year because of medical malpractice. The method in which allopathic medicine is being utilized is quite literally killing us. Many of these treatments are no longer even remotely ‘safe and effective.’ When the entire business model of the medical industry depends upon sick patients, the outcome will never lead to genuine healing. This is largely due to the conflict of interest inherent within the medicine-for-profit model. Expecting health to derive from this kind of environment is the equivalent of expecting the military-industrial complex to promote world peace. Unfortunately, the corruption within the medical establishment has morphed into a system void of actual care.
Understanding the shadow side of the world of medicine is essential for our work. We must learn from these mistakes within the allopathic model and ensure we move forward in an entirely different way. We can do this by holding each other accountable and by ensuring competence among our peers.
As modern-day Ayurvedic practitioners, we are facing a far more complex landscape due to exposure to new chemicals, technologies, and processed foods. Most people are disconnected from nature, a sense of community, and a genuine spiritual connection. I believe that these new challenges require a deeper discussion and a possibility for new methods of treatment. I hope that we merge Eastern and Western traditions in a healthy and balanced manner. In doing so, we can combat these new challenges together. I envision an even deeper holistic healing approach with this merger. An example of this would be the utilization of psychedelics, depth psychology, Ayurveda, and yoga together. Psychedelics would mainly target the subtle and karmic bodies. Depth psychology could help the participant process and understand the profound experiences that arise when using these sacred plant medicines. Ayurveda would be essential for the overall integration process and main treatment through herbs, diet, and lifestyle. Yoga would then help connect the person back to their body and breath. These are all simplified examples of the diverse methods in which these healing modalities can be utilized; the potential of this hybrid approach is boundless.
The possibilities by which all of you can contribute to the world of Ayurveda are infinite. In my own healing journey, a shaman once told me that I needed to make the healing modality I decided to practice unique to me. As we have learned through Ayurveda, we are all beautifully distinct in how we present ourselves and our gifts to the world. When we align with our unique dharma, it invites us to be the best practitioners possible. A huge priority for all of us is to continue on the never-ending journey of self-awareness; through this, we can contribute to the health and well-being of our patients in the most genuine and effective ways. Whether that be through practicing with clients, creating medicinal products, specialization within a certain area, or utilizing the principles of Ayurveda to enhance another healing discipline. The approaches and ideas through which this can be accomplished are as truly unique and limitless as you are.
Our educational journey does not end with the programs offered here at CCA. In keeping with our profound responsibilities as Ayurvedic practitioners we are behooved to continue our studies in a multitude of ways. We can do this by studying various healing modalities, medical developments, scientific theories, indigenous ways of knowing, philosophies, spiritual traditions, and countless other ways that will inevitably enhance our greater tapestry of knowledge.
I truly wish you all the best on your infinite journey through consciousness. The time I spent with many of you in PAM was very special to me. Our class was filled with some of the most beautiful souls I have had the pleasure to meet. I look forward to the day when Ayurveda and its principles are at the forefront of our medical paradigm and to see you all leading it.
I want to close with a quote by one of my all-time favorites of depth psychology, Carl Jung. “Know all the theories, master all the techniques, but as you touch a human soul, be just another human soul.”
Namaste.
