Tistraishaniya Adhyaya: Difference between revisions

==== Three upasthambhas ====

The three upasthambhas or supporting pillars of body mentioned in this chapter are ahara (diet), swapna (sleep) and bramhacharya (celibacy). As diet is critical for the sustenance of life, it is the first of the three, followed by sleep and bramahacharya.  Importance of a healthy and wholesome diet (in Sutra sthana , Chapter 27), various classification of dietary items (in Sutra Sthana, Chapter 25), wholesome and unwholesome diets (in Sutra Sthana, Chapter 25), the quantity of diet to be taken and the significance of a balanced diet (in Sutra Sthana, Chapter 5,) eight factors responsible for digestion of food and ahara vidhi vidhan (rules for diet described in Vimana Sthana Chapter 1), ahara parinamkara bhavas (factors affecting diet digestion mentioned in Sharir Sthana chapter 6), the dietary regimen according to different seasons (in Sutra Chapter 6) and the description of incompatible foods (in Charaka Sutra chapter 26).

The physiology of sleep, effects, and indications – contraindications of day sleep, effects of night awakening, methods and measures to induce good sleep, causes of insomnia, classification of sleep etc. are discussed in detail in Charaka Sutra Sthana Chapter 21.   

Semen is considered as one of the factors useful in promoting strength and self- control, increasing pleasure, as well as increasing awareness in celibates of the importance of abstinence (from sex), leading to salvation. (Ch. Su. 30/15). Sukra kshaya (depletion of shukra) is considered as a causative factor for ‘pratiloma kshaya’(emaciation), which in turn may cause “Rajayakshama”, hence it has to be preserved. (Ch. Ni.6/8).

When the appropriate use of these upasthmbhas is practised by an individual, he will be bestowed with excellence of strength. Hence, the next topic discussed is about bala or strength.