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Abstract

Abstract

The last chapter of Sutra sthana, Arthedashamahamuliyaadhyaya, emphasizes some of the fundamental principles of life, health, and disease. Though the chapter begins with a description of the heart and ten great vessels attached to it and talks about several aspects of vital importance such as shira, dhamani, srotas, ojas, etc., the salient features of a good Ayurvedic practitioner, and goes on to providing a complete definition of Ayu and Ayurveda. Beneficial, non-beneficial, happy and unhappy kinds of life have also been described in the chapter. In the end, an entire table of contents of this treatise has been provided.  

The last chapter of [[Sutra Sthana]], Arthedashamahamuliyaadhyaya, emphasizes some of the fundamental principles of life, health, and disease. Though the chapter begins with a description of the heart and ten great vessels attached to it and talks about several aspects of vital importance such as shira, dhamani, srotas, ojas, etc., the salient features of a good Ayurvedic practitioner, and goes on to providing a complete definition of Ayu and Ayurveda. Beneficial, non-beneficial, happy and unhappy kinds of life have also been described in the chapter. In the end, an entire table of contents of this treatise has been provided.  

Keywords: Hṛdaya, ojas, shira, dhamani, srotas, classification of Ayu.  

Keywords: Hṛdaya, ojas, shira, dhamani, srotas, classification of Ayu.  

Introduction:

Introduction:

sve sve sthAne  tathA~adhyAye cAdhyAyArthaH pravakShyate|  

sve sve sthAne  tathA~adhyAye cAdhyAyArthaH pravakShyate|  

taM brUyAt sarvataH sarvaM yathAsvaM  hyarthasa~ggrahAt||68||  

taM brUyAt sarvataH sarvaM yathAsvaM  hyarthasa~ggrahAt||68||  

The names of chapters are 1. The quest for longevity; 2. Dehusked seed of Apamarga (Achyranthes aspera Linn); 3. Aragvadha (Cassia fistula Linn) 4. Six hundred purgatives; These constitute the tetrad on drugs. 5. Measurement of eating; 6. Human dietetics; 7. Non-suppression of natural urges; 8. Description of sense organs; The above mentioned four chapters constitute the quadrate on the maintenance of positive health. 9. The minor chapter on the four aspects of therapeutics; 10. The major chapter on the four aspects of therapeutics; 11. Three basic desires of life; 12. vata – its merits and demerits; the above mentioned four chapters constitute the tetrad on the physician, medicine, etc.; 13. oleation; 14. fomentation; 15. requirements of a physician; 16. duties of a physician; The above mentioned four chapters constitute the tetrad on therapeutic measures. 17. Enumeration of diseases relating to the head; 18. Three types of swelling; 19. Eight abdominal diseases; 20. The major chapter on the enumeration of diseases; The above mentioned four chapters constitute the tetrad on diseases. 21. Eight types of inappreciable persons; 22. Lightening and nourishing therapies; 23. Refreshing regimen; 24. Blood purification and the regimen, therefore; The above mentioned four chapters constitute the tetrad on therapeutics. 25. Origin of man and his diseases; 26. Discourse among Atreya, Bhadrakapya, etc. 27. Properties of diets and drinks; 28. Various types of diets and drinks; The above mentioned four chapters constitute the tetrad on dietetics. Finally, the last two chapters deal with ten seats of life forces and the ten vital roots in the heart respectively. Thus, the Sutra sthana constitutes of seven tetrads (each containing four chapters) on drugs, maintenance of positive health, physicians including medicines, etc., therapeutics measures, diseases, some of the fundamental pillars of health management – medicines, physicians, therapeutics, and dietetics are described consecutively. The first section, as well as the entire treatise, is summarized in the last two chapters. Thus, the first section of thirty chapters is very important. The Sutra sthana, with its 30 chapters, can be regarded as the brain of the whole treatise and is also known as the shloka section.  

The names of chapters are 1. The quest for longevity; 2. Dehusked seed of Apamarga (Achyranthes aspera Linn); 3. Aragvadha (Cassia fistula Linn) 4. Six hundred purgatives; These constitute the tetrad on drugs. 5. Measurement of eating; 6. Human dietetics; 7. Non-suppression of natural urges; 8. Description of sense organs; The above mentioned four chapters constitute the quadrate on the maintenance of positive health. 9. The minor chapter on the four aspects of therapeutics; 10. The major chapter on the four aspects of therapeutics; 11. Three basic desires of life; 12. vata – its merits and demerits; the above mentioned four chapters constitute the tetrad on the physician, medicine, etc.; 13. oleation; 14. fomentation; 15. requirements of a physician; 16. duties of a physician; The above mentioned four chapters constitute the tetrad on therapeutic measures. 17. Enumeration of diseases relating to the head; 18. Three types of swelling; 19. Eight abdominal diseases; 20. The major chapter on the enumeration of diseases; The above mentioned four chapters constitute the tetrad on diseases. 21. Eight types of inappreciable persons; 22. Lightening and nourishing therapies; 23. Refreshing regimen; 24. Blood purification and the regimen, therefore; The above mentioned four chapters constitute the tetrad on therapeutics. 25. Origin of man and his diseases; 26. Discourse among Atreya, Bhadrakapya, etc. 27. Properties of diets and drinks; 28. Various types of diets and drinks; The above mentioned four chapters constitute the tetrad on dietetics. Finally, the last two chapters deal with ten seats of life forces and the ten vital roots in the heart respectively. Thus, the [[Sutra Sthana]] constitutes of seven tetrads (each containing four chapters) on drugs, maintenance of positive health, physicians including medicines, etc., therapeutics measures, diseases, some of the fundamental pillars of health management – medicines, physicians, therapeutics, and dietetics are described consecutively. The first section, as well as the entire treatise, is summarized in the last two chapters. Thus, the first section of thirty chapters is very important. The [[Sutra Sthana]], with its 30 chapters, can be regarded as the brain of the whole treatise and is also known as the shloka section.  

The Nidana sthana, or the section on the diagnosis of diseases, includes a detailed study of jwara (fever), raktapitta (a condition characterized by bleeding from various parts of the body), gulma (abdominal tumour), meha (obstinate urinary disorders including diabetes mellitus), kushtha (obstinate skin diseases including leprosy), shosha (consumption), unmada (insanity) and apasmara (epilepsy). The Nidana sthana or the section on the diagnosis of diseases contains the above eight chapters providing for the diagnosis of the said ailments.  

The [[Nidana Sthana]], or the section on the diagnosis of diseases, includes a detailed study of jwara (fever), raktapitta (a condition characterized by bleeding from various parts of the body), gulma (abdominal tumour), meha (obstinate urinary disorders including diabetes mellitus), kushtha (obstinate skin diseases including leprosy), shosha (consumption), unmada (insanity) and apasmara (epilepsy). The [[Nidana Sthana]] or the section on the diagnosis of diseases contains the above eight chapters providing for the diagnosis of the said ailments.  

This forms the basis for the subsequent section of the Vimana sthana that addresses specific topics of rasa or taste, trividhakuksiya (three factions of the stomach capacity), janapadodhvasima (epidemic diseases), trividharogavisesavijnana (three factors for the specific determination of diseases), strotas (channels of circulation), roganika (classification of diseases), vyadhitarupiya (classification of patients), and rogabhishagjitiya (treatment of diseases).  

This forms the basis for the subsequent section of the [[Vimana Sthana]] that addresses specific topics of rasa or taste, trividhakuksiya (three factions of the stomach capacity), janapadodhvasima (epidemic diseases), trividharogavisesavijnana (three factors for the specific determination of diseases), strotas (channels of circulation), roganika (classification of diseases), vyadhitarupiya (classification of patients), and rogabhishagjitiya (treatment of diseases).  

Vimanasthana is followed by the Sharira sthana (the section on anatomy including embryology) which includes katidhapurusiya (classification of constituents of the individuals), atulyagotriya (exogamy), khuddikagarbhavakranti (minor chapter on the formation of foetus), mahatigarbhavakranti (major chapter on the formation of foetus), purushavichaya (individual self as a replica of the universal self), shariravichaya (analysis of the body), sharirasamkhya (enumeration of the organs of the body), and jatisutriya (process of delivery).  

[[Vimana Sthana]] is followed by the [[Sharira Sthana]] (the section on anatomy including embryology) which includes katidhapurusiya (classification of constituents of the individuals), atulyagotriya (exogamy), khuddikagarbhavakranti (minor chapter on the formation of foetus), mahatigarbhavakranti (major chapter on the formation of foetus), purushavichaya (individual self as a replica of the universal self), shariravichaya (analysis of the body), sharirasamkhya (enumeration of the organs of the body), and jatisutriya (process of delivery).  

The Sharira sthana is followed by Indriya sthana (prognosis of diseases) which includes the following 12 chapters: Vanasvariya (prognosis indicated by complexion and voice); Puspitaka (infallibility of prognostic signs and symptoms); Parimarsana (prognosis indicated by palpation); Indriyanika (prognosis indicated by the function of sense organs); Purvarupiya (prognosis indicated by premonitory symptoms); Katamanishaririya (prognosis indicated by the nature of diseases); pannarupity (prognosis indicated by the distorted images in the pupil); Avaksirasiya (prognosis indicated by symptoms like the inverted reflection of images in the pupil); Yasyasyavanimittiya (prognosis indicated by such signs as dark-blue colour of the eye etc.); Sadyomaraniya (prognostic signs of imminent death); Anujyotiya (prognosis indicated by signs like loss of the complexion of the body); and Gomayachurniya (prognosis indicated by signs like the appearance of powder like thing in the head resembling that of cow dung cake). Indriya sthana or the section on the prognosis of diseases has twelve chapters dealing with the above topics.

The [[Sharira Sthana]] is followed by [[Indriya Sthana]] (prognosis of diseases) which includes the following 12 chapters: Vanasvariya (prognosis indicated by complexion and voice); Puspitaka (infallibility of prognostic signs and symptoms); Parimarsana (prognosis indicated by palpation); Indriyanika (prognosis indicated by the function of sense organs); Purvarupiya (prognosis indicated by premonitory symptoms); Katamanishaririya (prognosis indicated by the nature of diseases); pannarupity (prognosis indicated by the distorted images in the pupil); Avaksirasiya (prognosis indicated by symptoms like the inverted reflection of images in the pupil); Yasyasyavanimittiya (prognosis indicated by such signs as dark-blue colour of the eye etc.); Sadyomaraniya (prognostic signs of imminent death); Anujyotiya (prognosis indicated by signs like loss of the complexion of the body); and Gomayachurniya (prognosis indicated by signs like the appearance of powder like thing in the head resembling that of cow dung cake). [[Indriya Sthana]] or the section on the prognosis of diseases has twelve chapters dealing with the above topics.

The Chikitsa sthana (section on therapeutics) follows Indriya sthana with the following 30 chapters. The first two chapters deal with rejuvenation therapies and aphrodisiacs respectively and are the following:1a. Use of Abhaya (Terminalia cbebula Linn) and Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis Gaertn) for rejuvenation; 1b. The desire for longevity; 1c. Use of Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis Gaertn.) culled by hand; 1d. Propagation of the science of rejuvenation. 2a. Use of the preparation of the root of sara (Saccbarum munja Roxb.) 2b. Use of the rice soaked in milk and such other preparations; 2c. Use of milk collected from a cow fed with mashaparna (Teramnus labialis); 2d. Duties of a man who has gained strength, among others.The remaining 28 chapters of Chikitsa sthana deal with therapeutics of the said conditions:  jwara (fever) raktapitta ( a condition characterized by bleeding from various parts of the body); gulma ( a type of abdominal tumour); meha (obstinate urinary disorders including diabetes mellitus); kushtha (obstinate skin diseases including leprosy); shosha (consumption); unmada (insanity); apasmara (epilepsy); kshatha (phthisis); shotha (oedema) udara (obstinate abdominal diseases including ascitis); arshas (piles); grahani (sprue); pandu (anemia) shvasa (conditions causing dyspnoea including bronchial asthma); kasa (cough); atisara (diarrhoea); chhardi (vomiting); visarpa (acute spreading diseases of the skin including erysipelas); trishna (thirst); vishavikara (poisoning); madyavikara (alcoholism); dvivraniya (two types of ulcers); trimarmiya (diseases appearing in three vital organs of the body); urustambha (spastic paraplegia); vataroga (diseases specially caused by the vitiation of vata); vatarakta (gout); and yonivyapat (gynecological diseases) Chikitsasthan  or the section on therapeutics has thirty chapters. (The first chapter deals with Rasayana or rejuvenation therapy. In consists of four sub-chapters dealing with the above topics; The remaining twenty-eight chapters of this section deal with the treatment of the said conditions.  

The [[Chikitsa Sthana]] (section on therapeutics) follows [[Indriya Sthana]] with the following 30 chapters. The first two chapters deal with rejuvenation therapies and aphrodisiacs respectively and are the following:1a. Use of Abhaya (Terminalia cbebula Linn) and Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis Gaertn) for rejuvenation; 1b. The desire for longevity; 1c. Use of Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis Gaertn.) culled by hand; 1d. Propagation of the science of rejuvenation. 2a. Use of the preparation of the root of sara (Saccbarum munja Roxb.) 2b. Use of the rice soaked in milk and such other preparations; 2c. Use of milk collected from a cow fed with mashaparna (Teramnus labialis); 2d. Duties of a man who has gained strength, among others.The remaining 28 chapters of [[Chikitsa Sthana]] deal with therapeutics of the said conditions:  jwara (fever) raktapitta ( a condition characterized by bleeding from various parts of the body); gulma ( a type of abdominal tumour); meha (obstinate urinary disorders including diabetes mellitus); kushtha (obstinate skin diseases including leprosy); shosha (consumption); unmada (insanity); apasmara (epilepsy); kshatha (phthisis); shotha (oedema) udara (obstinate abdominal diseases including ascitis); arshas (piles); grahani (sprue); pandu (anemia) shvasa (conditions causing dyspnoea including bronchial asthma); kasa (cough); atisara (diarrhoea); chhardi (vomiting); visarpa (acute spreading diseases of the skin including erysipelas); trishna (thirst); vishavikara (poisoning); madyavikara (alcoholism); dvivraniya (two types of ulcers); trimarmiya (diseases appearing in three vital organs of the body); urustambha (spastic paraplegia); vataroga (diseases specially caused by the vitiation of vata); vatarakta (gout); and yonivyapat (gynecological diseases) Chikitsasthan  or the section on therapeutics has thirty chapters. (The first chapter deals with Rasayana or rejuvenation therapy. In consists of four sub-chapters dealing with the above topics; The remaining twenty-eight chapters of this section deal with the treatment of the said conditions.  

Kalpa sthana, the next section (on pharmaceuticals) has twelve chapters dealing with the preparations of the following drugs: Phala (Randia dumetorum Lam.); jimutaka (Luffa echinata Roxb); iksvaka (Ligenaria siceraria Standl.); dhamargava (Luffa cylindrical M. Roem);  vatsaka (Holarrhena antidysenterica Wall.); krtavedhana (Luffa acutanula Roxb.); syamatrivrt (Operculina turpetbum R. B.); chaturangula (Cassia fistula Linn); tilvaka (Symplocos racemosa Roxb); sudha (Euphorbia nerifolia Linn); saptala (Acacia concinna D.C.); and sankhini (Canscora decussate Roem et. Sch.); danti (Baliospermum montanum Muell-Arg.), and dravanti (Jatropha glandulifera Roxb.).  

[[Kalpa Sthana]], the next section (on pharmaceuticals) has twelve chapters dealing with the preparations of the following drugs: Phala (Randia dumetorum Lam.); jimutaka (Luffa echinata Roxb); iksvaka (Ligenaria siceraria Standl.); dhamargava (Luffa cylindrical M. Roem);  vatsaka (Holarrhena antidysenterica Wall.); krtavedhana (Luffa acutanula Roxb.); syamatrivrt (Operculina turpetbum R. B.); chaturangula (Cassia fistula Linn); tilvaka (Symplocos racemosa Roxb); sudha (Euphorbia nerifolia Linn); saptala (Acacia concinna D.C.); and sankhini (Canscora decussate Roem et. Sch.); danti (Baliospermum montanum Muell-Arg.), and dravanti (Jatropha glandulifera Roxb.).  

The final section, Siddhi sthana (on the successful administration of the five elimination therapies), has the following 12 chapters: Factors to be considered for the successful administration of elimination therapies; Persons fit and unfit for the administration of elimination therapies; Administration of enema therapy; Management of complications due to the administration of therapies (such as unctuous enema); Management of complications due to defects in the cannula and the other parts of the equipment used for enema; Management of complications in emesis and purgation therapies; Management of complications in enema therapy; Enema of one prastha (768 g) in quantity; Management of diseases occurring in the marma sthana or the three vital regions of the body;Enema for different types of diseases; Enema prepared of Phala (Randia dumetorum Lam) etc.; and Urethral and vaginal douches. These are, in brief, the sections and chapters that form the Siddhi sthana or the section on the successful administration of five elimination therapies has twelve chapters dealing with the above topics; contents of each chapter will be described in the respective chapters and sections. All these, in brief, will be described in all the respective chapters and sections. [36-68]

The final section, [[Siddhi Sthana]] (on the successful administration of the five elimination therapies), has the following 12 chapters: Factors to be considered for the successful administration of elimination therapies; Persons fit and unfit for the administration of elimination therapies; Administration of enema therapy; Management of complications due to the administration of therapies (such as unctuous enema); Management of complications due to defects in the cannula and the other parts of the equipment used for enema; Management of complications in emesis and purgation therapies; Management of complications in enema therapy; Enema of one prastha (768 g) in quantity; Management of diseases occurring in the marma sthana or the three vital regions of the body;Enema for different types of diseases; Enema prepared of Phala (Randia dumetorum Lam) etc.; and Urethral and vaginal douches. These are, in brief, the sections and chapters that form the [[Siddhi Sthana]] or the section on the successful administration of five elimination therapies has twelve chapters dealing with the above topics; contents of each chapter will be described in the respective chapters and sections. All these, in brief, will be described in all the respective chapters and sections. [36-68]

पृच्छा तन्त्राद्यथाम्नायं विधिना प्रश्न उच्यते|  

पृच्छा तन्त्राद्यथाम्नायं विधिना प्रश्न उच्यते|  

प्रश्नार्थो युक्तिमांस्तस्य तन्त्रेणैवार्थनिश्चयः  ||६९||  

प्रश्नार्थो युक्तिमांस्तस्य तन्त्रेणैवार्थनिश्चयः  ||६९||  

kArtsnyena coktastantrasya sa~ggrahaH suvinishcitaH||71||  

kArtsnyena coktastantrasya sa~ggrahaH suvinishcitaH||71||  

A query on any topic within the classical texts, in accordance with Vedic tradition /manner, is called a prashna (question). The response to the prashna is known as prashnartha. Because the text protects the life of a person with its information, it is also called ‘tantra’ (tantrana means to sustain the body or to observe the healthy rules). A sthāna (section) is called so because the information relevant to the theme of the section have been "placed" within that section (pratistha = sthapana= placed). Adhyayas, or chapters, from the specific topics that address a particular aspect or dimension of the section. Thus, clarifications/answers to all the eight questions (raised in para 20 of this chapter) along with a clear summary of the entire text are given. [69-71]

A query on any topic within the classical texts, in accordance with Vedic tradition /manner, is called a prashna (question). The response to the prashna is known as prashnartha. Because the text protects the life of a person with its information, it is also called ‘tantra’ (tantrana means to sustain the body or to observe the healthy rules). A sthana (section) is called so because the information relevant to the theme of the section have been "placed" within that section (pratistha = sthapana= placed). Adhyayas, or chapters, from the specific topics that address a particular aspect or dimension of the section. Thus, clarifications/answers to all the eight questions (raised in para 20 of this chapter) along with a clear summary of the entire text are given. [69-71]

सन्ति पाल्लविकोत्पाताः  सङ्क्षोभं जनयन्ति ये|  

सन्ति पाल्लविकोत्पाताः  सङ्क्षोभं जनयन्ति ये|  

वर्तकानामिवोत्पाताः सहसैवाविभाविताः||७२||  

वर्तकानामिवोत्पाताः सहसैवाविभाविताः||७२||  

yathA sumanasAM sUtraM sa~ggrahArthaM vidhIyate|  

yathA sumanasAM sUtraM sa~ggrahArthaM vidhIyate|  

sa~ggrahArthaM tathA~arthAnAmRuShiNA sa~ggrahaH kRutaH||89||  

sa~ggrahArthaM tathA~arthAnAmRuShiNA sa~ggrahaH kRutaH||89||  

The nomenclature of the ten vessels attached to the heart (mahamula), the foremost ones among the six categories of regimen, the characteristic features of learned physicians, the eight kinds of questions along with their replies, methods for replying, their elaboration and six types of fraudulent physicians/quacks – all these have been described in this chapter on the “Ten great vessels having their roots in the heart”. A summary of the entire treatise is given in this chapter. Just as flowers are strung into a garland with the help of a thread (sutra), so also are the topics/objects of the whole text are briefly woven here in the Sutra sthana. [86-89]

The nomenclature of the ten vessels attached to the heart (mahamula), the foremost ones among the six categories of regimen, the characteristic features of learned physicians, the eight kinds of questions along with their replies, methods for replying, their elaboration and six types of fraudulent physicians/quacks – all these have been described in this chapter on the “Ten great vessels having their roots in the heart”. A summary of the entire treatise is given in this chapter. Just as flowers are strung into a garland with the help of a thread (sutra), so also are the topics/objects of the whole text are briefly woven here in the [[Sutra Sthana]]. [86-89]

इत्यग्निवेशकृते तन्त्रे चरकप्रतिसंस्कृते श्लोकस्थानेऽर्थेदशमहामूलीयो नाम त्रिंशोऽध्यायः||३०||  

इत्यग्निवेशकृते तन्त्रे चरकप्रतिसंस्कृते श्लोकस्थानेऽर्थेदशमहामूलीयो नाम त्रिंशोऽध्यायः||३०||  

अग्निवेशकृते तन्त्रे चरकप्रतिसंस्कृतेइयताऽवधिना सर्वं सूत्रस्थानं समाप्यते  

अग्निवेशकृते तन्त्रे चरकप्रतिसंस्कृतेइयताऽवधिना सर्वं सूत्रस्थानं समाप्यते  

ityagniveshakRute tantre carakapratisaMskRute shlokasthAne~arthedashamahAmUlIyo nAmatriMsho~adhyAyaH

ityagniveshakRute tantre carakapratisaMskRute shlokasthAne~arthedashamahAmUlIyo nAmatriMsho~adhyAyaH

agniveshakRute tantre carakapratisaMskRuteiyatA~avadhinA sarvaM sUtrasthAnaM samApyate||30||  

agniveshakRute tantre carakapratisaMskRuteiyatA~avadhinA sarvaM sUtrasthAnaM samApyate||30||  

  Thus concludes the 30th chapter on the “Ten Great Vessels having Their Roots in the Heart” of the sutra section of the work by Agnivesha as composed by Charaka. Here ends the section on general principles of Ayurveda (Sutra sthana) of Agnivesha’s work as composed by Charaka.

  Thus concludes the 30th chapter on the “Ten Great Vessels having Their Roots in the Heart” of the sutra section of the work by Agnivesha as composed by Charaka. Here ends the section on general principles of Ayurveda ([[Sutra Sthana]]) of Agnivesha’s work as composed by Charaka.

Tattva Vimarsha:

Tattva Vimarsha:

• The heart is a vital organ with ten channels, circulating ojas, responsible for maintaining life.

• The heart is a vital organ with ten channels, circulating ojas, responsible for maintaining life.

Leading a righteous, non-violent life bestows longevity in human beings while maintaining harmony within societies and the environment at large. As discussed earlier in this (and the preceding) chapter, Valor is the best value among those that promote strength; knowledge is one thing that should always be increased; self-control should always be exercised to stay happy; discovery/understanding/realization helps the most in creating a feeling of exaltation/ecstasy, while celibacy is the most important attribute necessary in the  path to self-realization, as per the view of Ayurvedic scholars.

Leading a righteous, non-violent life bestows longevity in human beings while maintaining harmony within societies and the environment at large. As discussed earlier in this (and the preceding) chapter, Valor is the best value among those that promote strength; knowledge is one thing that should always be increased; self-control should always be exercised to stay happy; discovery/understanding/realization helps the most in creating a feeling of exaltation/ecstasy, while celibacy is the most important attribute necessary in the  path to self-realization, as per the view of Ayurvedic scholars.

Medical Education: Current medical education is disease-centric but and does not consider disease prevention as its priority. This is because of lack of understanding about what health is and how it can be preserved protected and rejuvenated. To provide complete care, a physician should be trained in both health and disease management. He should receive knowledge from authentic books and understand the practical applications of the concepts from experienced teachers before he starts taking care of people on his own.

Medical Education: Current medical education is disease-centric but and does not consider disease prevention as its priority. This is because of lack of understanding about what health is and how it can be preserved protected and rejuvenated. To provide complete care, a physician should be trained in both health and disease management. He should receive knowledge from authentic books and understand the practical applications of the concepts from experienced teachers before he starts taking care of people on his own.

Besides increased incidence of diseases in humans, there is increasing polarization and intolerance in our societies causing discord and violence. There is environmental degradation of the planet evidenced by global warming and increased pollution. All these phenomena imply a deteriorating health of humans, society and the planet at large. Ayurveda considers the human individual as a microcosm that reflects the health of the universe at large – the macrocosm. A healthy planet would need to have healthy societies, requiring healthy human beings. Imbalances within the bodily elements – the doshas, dhatus, etc. – lead to imbalances between the individual and his environment. This underscores the value of imbibing the knowledge about health from Charaka Samhita.

Besides increased incidence of diseases in humans, there is increasing polarization and intolerance in our societies causing discord and violence. There is environmental degradation of the planet evidenced by global warming and increased pollution. All these phenomena imply a deteriorating health of humans, society and the planet at large. Ayurveda considers the human individual as a microcosm that reflects the health of the universe at large – the macrocosm. A healthy planet would need to have healthy societies, requiring healthy human beings. Imbalances within the bodily elements – the doshas, dhatus, etc. – lead to imbalances between the individual and his environment. This underscores the value of imbibing the knowledge about health from [[Charaka Samhita]].

References:

References:

1. Patwardhan K. The history of the discovery of blood circulation: unrecognized contributions of Ayurveda masters. Adv Physiol Educ. 2012 Jun;36(2):77-82. doi: 10.1152/advan.00123.2011.

1. Patwardhan K. The history of the discovery of blood circulation: unrecognized contributions of Ayurveda masters. Adv Physiol Educ. 2012 Jun;36(2):77-82. doi: 10.1152/advan.00123.2011.