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|title=Prakriti

|title=Prakriti

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|keywords=Prakriti in ayurveda,Prakriti dosha meaning,Prakriti,Categories of prakriti,Aspects of prakriti,Bhuta prakriti (sources of creation),Deha prakriti (constitution of human being based on dosha dominance),Samya (equilibrium or normal state),Swabhava (fundamental nature),Marana (death),Circle of life in reference to prakriti,Importance of knowledge of prakriti,Types of Deha Prakriti,Charak Samhita

|keywords=Prakriti in ayurveda,Prakriti dosha meaning,Prakriti,Categories of prakriti, Aspects of prakriti,Bhuta prakriti (sources of creation),Deha prakriti (constitution of human being based on dosha dominance),Samya (equilibrium or normal state),Swabhava (fundamental nature),Marana (death),Circle of life in reference to prakriti,Importance of knowledge of prakriti,Types of Deha Prakriti,Charak Samhita, genomics, fundamental constitution, who am I?, Deole Y.S., Basisht G., Charak Samhita, caraka samhita,

|description=The term 'Prakriti' or 'Prakruti' (Sanskrit: प्रकृति) literally means making or placing before or at first, the original or natural form or condition of anything, original or primary substance

|description=The term 'Prakriti' or 'Prakruti' (Sanskrit: प्रकृति) literally means making or placing before or at first, the original or natural form or condition of anything, original or primary substance

|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg

|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg

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|type=article

}}

}}

 

<p style="text-align:justify;">The term 'Prakriti' (also spelled as Prakruti) (Sanskrit: प्रकृति) literally means "making or placing before or at first, the original or natural form or condition of anything, original or primary substance."<ref>Monnier-Williams (1899), Monnier William's Sanskrit-English Dictionary, 2nd Ed., Oxford University Press, Prakriti, page 654 available on [http://www.ibiblio.org/sripedia/ebooks/mw/0600/mw__0687.html Prakriti]</ref> Phenomenon of prakriti is fundamental to understanding the human life and its surroundings, especially, the practice of [[Ayurveda]]. Ayurvedic physician must be able assess [[deha prakriti]] of the patient before he can proceed further. Balanced [[deha prakriti]] represents [[health]] and degree of imbalance determines disease. </p>

 

 

The term 'Prakriti' or 'Prakruti' (Sanskrit: प्रकृति) literally means "making or placing before or at first, the original or natural form or condition of anything, original or primary substance."<ref>Monier-Williams (1899), Monier William's Sanskrit-English Dictionary, 2nd Ed., Oxford University Press, Prakriti, page 654 available on [http://www.ibiblio.org/sripedia/ebooks/mw/0600/mw__0687.html Prakriti]</ref> Phenomenon of prakriti is fundamental to understanding the human life and its surroundings, especially, the practice of Ayurveda. Ayurvedic physician must be able assess [[deha prakriti]] of the patient before he can proceed further. Balanced [[deha prakriti]] represents health and degree of imbalance determines disease.

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==Etymology and derivation==

==Etymology and derivation==

 

“Pra” prefix means “principal” and “Kriti” means “creation”. Thus the word convey the meaning “one that is principal factor for creation”. Some other derivations include:  

“Pra” prefix means “principal” and “Kriti” means “creation”. Thus the word convey the meaning “one that is principal factor for creation”. Some other derivations include:  

(b) “Pra” means “sattvik”, “Kru” means “rajasik” and “ta” means “tamasik” and the word “Prakriti” thus conveys the power of the three gunas.  

(b) “Pra” means “sattvik”, “Kru” means “rajasik” and “ta” means “tamasik” and the word “Prakriti” thus conveys the power of the three [[Guna|gunas]].  

(c) “Pra” means “before” and “Kriti” means creation and so Prakriti means that which existed before creation.<ref>Available from https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/prakriti</ref>

(c) “Pra” means “before” and “Kriti” means creation and so Prakriti means that which existed before creation.<ref>Available from https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/prakriti</ref>

All above categories have different characteristics and properties. However, the origin is from [[Panchamahabhuta]] and their properties are decided by the proportion of [[Panchamahabhuta]] in it.

All above categories have different characteristics and properties. However, the origin is from [[Panchamahabhuta]] and their properties are decided by the proportion of [[Panchamahabhuta]] in it.

For example: If a substance has dominance of Vayu Mahabhuta, then it will be light in weight and light to digest.

For example: If a substance has dominance of [[Vayu mahabhuta]], then it will be light in weight and light to digest.

== Aspects of prakriti ==  

== Aspects of prakriti ==  

===Bhuta prakriti (sources of creation)===

===Bhuta prakriti (sources of creation)===

   

   

Prakriti means the source or origin or fundamental cause. The five subtle elements (viz. ''shabdatanmantra, sparshatanmantra, rupatanmantra, rasatanmatra'' and ''gandhatanmatra''), ''buddhi'' (intellect), ''avyakta'' (''prakriti'' or nature) and ''ahamkara'' (ego) are the eight sources of creation.

Prakriti means the source or origin or fundamental cause. The five subtle elements (viz. ''shabda [[tanmatra]], sparsha [[tanmatra]], rupa [[tanmatra]], rasa [[tanmatra]]'' and ''gandha [[tanmatra]]''), ''[[buddhi]]'' (intellect), ''[[Avyakta|avyakta]]'' (''prakriti'' or nature) and ''[[ahamkara]]'' (ego) are the eight sources of creation.

The eight bhuta prakriti are known as basic source of creation. Sixteen transformed and bio-transformed elements (''vikara'') viz. five sense faculties, five motor faculties, mind and five ''mahabhutas'' are originated from  bhuta prakriti. [Cha. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 1/63]

The eight bhuta prakriti are known as basic source of creation. Sixteen transformed and bio-transformed elements (''vikara'') viz. five sense faculties ([[indriya]]), five motor faculties, [[Manas|mind]] and five ''[[Mahabhuta|mahabhutas]]'' are originated from  bhuta prakriti. [Cha. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 1/63]

=== Deha prakriti (constitution of human being based on dosha dominance)===

=== [[Deha prakriti]] (constitution of human being based on [[dosha]] dominance)===

[[File:Types of Prakriti.png|500px|'''Image 1: Types of Deha Prakriti'''|thumb]]

[[File:Types of Prakriti.png|500px|'''Image 1: Types of [[Deha prakriti|Deha Prakriti]]'''|thumb]]

Prakriti means basic constitution of human being depending upon dominance of dosha at the time of conception. This forms the deha prakriti meaning body constitution or trait .

Prakriti means basic constitution of human being depending upon dominance of [[dosha]] at the time of conception. This forms the [[deha prakriti]] meaning body constitution or trait .

These are further categorized under four types. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 7/39-40]

These are further categorized under four types. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 7/39-40]

   

   

These types of basic constitution are assessed upon specific characteristics shown by dominant dosha. [Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]]8/96-99]

These types of basic constitution are assessed upon specific characteristics shown by dominant [[dosha]]. [Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 8/96-99]

The constitution (prakriti) associated with fetus (garbha) is determined by following factors:   

The constitution (prakriti) associated with fetus ([[garbha]]) is determined by following factors:   

*constitution of sperm and ovum,  

*constitution of sperm and ovum,  

*the time (of conception) and status of health of uterus

*the time (of conception) and status of health of uterus

*diet and lifestyle of mother (during pregnancy) and  

*diet and lifestyle of mother (during pregnancy) and  

*interaction of mahabhutas.  [Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 8/95]

*interaction of [[mahabhuta]].  [Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 8/95]

The following factors also play important role in constitution of an individual.

The following factors also play important role in constitution of an individual.

Jati (origin as per social structure), Kula (race), Desha (place), Kala (time and season), Vaya (age), Pratyatmaniyata (individual habits and habitat). The different variations seen in persons are based upon their caste, race, place of living, season, age and individual habits. [Cha. Sa. [[Indriya Sthana]] 1/5]

Jati (origin as per social structure), Kula (race), [[Desha]] (place), [[Kala]] (time and season), [[Vaya]] (age), Pratyatmaniyata (individual habits and habitat). The different variations seen in persons are based upon their caste, race, place of living, season, age and individual habits. [Cha. Sa. [[Indriya Sthana]] 1/5]

Thus the constitutional make-up is determined and influenced by above mentioned factors.

Thus the constitutional make-up is determined and influenced by above mentioned factors.

Prakriti is also used to denote fundamental nature of a  substance or basic pattern of external environment or surroundings. Each substance in the surroundings has specific natural characteristics and functions that are performed according to it.  This is termed as swabhava .

Prakriti is also used to denote fundamental nature of a  substance or basic pattern of external environment or surroundings. Each substance in the surroundings has specific natural characteristics and functions that are performed according to it.  This is termed as swabhava .

Each sense and motor organ has its own specific constitution and action. The sense organs and motor organs are the tools to maintain equilibrium. The equilibrium of sense organs with mind leads the intellect to indulge in enhanced self-consciousness. [Chakrapani on Cha. Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 8/15-16]. For the preservation of mental and intellectual health, it is important to maintain equilibrium in co-ordination with sense and motor organs, mind and intellect. [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 8/17]  

Each sense and motor organ has its own specific constitution and action. The [[Indriya|sense organs]] and motor organs are the tools to maintain equilibrium. The equilibrium of sense organs with [[Manas|mind]] leads the [[intellect]] to indulge in enhanced self-[[consciousness]]. [Chakrapani on Cha. Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 8/15-16]. For the preservation of mental and intellectual health, it is important to maintain equilibrium in co-ordination with sense and motor organs, [[Manas|mind]] and [[intellect]]. [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 8/17]  

===Marana (death)===

===Marana (death)===

   

   

The term prakritistha is used to denote death of an individual. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 9/26] It means that the physical body merges with nature and the soul returns to its origin or source or creation.

The term prakritistha is used to denote death of an individual. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 9/26] It means that the [[Sharira|physical body]] merges with nature and the [[Atma|soul]] returns to its origin or source or creation.

== Relation between these meanings ==

== Relation between these meanings ==

== Importance of knowledge of prakriti ==

== Importance of knowledge of prakriti ==

   

   

#Status of health directly depends upon the balanced state of body components.  

#Status of [[health]] directly depends upon the balanced state of body components.

#Lifespan of an individual depends upon his prakriti.  

#Lifespan of an individual depends upon his prakriti.  

#Prakriti assessment is important for knowledge of disease process.  

#Prakriti assessment is important for knowledge of [[Vyadhi|disease]] process.

#Prognosis depends upon interaction of normal [[dosha]] and affecting [[dosha]] known as causative factor of disease.

#Prognosis depends upon interaction of normal [[dosha]] and affecting [[dosha]] known as causative factor of [[Vyadhi|disease]].

#Every substance has its own prakriti and it acts according to the specific characters. It is important to know the basic characters before applying it in healthcare management.   

#Every substance has its own prakriti and it acts according to the specific characters. It is important to know the basic characters before applying it in healthcare management.   

#The quality and quantity of diet shall always lead to equilibrium of [[dosha]] and [[dhatu]] in the body. The diet of an individual should be prescribed to maintain balanced state and should be conducive to preservation of health.

#The quality and quantity of diet shall always lead to equilibrium of [[dosha]] and [[dhatu]] in the body. The diet of an individual should be prescribed to maintain balanced state and should be conducive to preservation of [[health]].

#Hazardous nature of a disease depends upon its prakriti and interaction of dosha-dushya.  

#Hazardous nature of a disease depends upon its prakriti and interaction of [[dosha]]-[[dushya]].

#In education system, the assessment of prakriti of disciple and teacher is important for perceiving knowledge.

#In education system, the assessment of prakriti of disciple and teacher is important for perceiving knowledge.

#In personalized medicine, prakriti assessment is important for decision of correct choice of drug in patients.

#In personalized medicine, prakriti assessment is important for decision of correct choice of drug in patients.

== Current researches ==

== Current researches ==

   

   

Currently, research in scientific community is focused  upon concept of deha prakriti only. The researchers  have conceptualized the correlation between phenotype of an individual and his prakriti. Genomic variations with the classification of prakriti are studied. It is observed that PGM1 correlates with phenotype of pitta prakriti.  This suggests that  the phenotypic classification has a genetic basis; and its prakriti-based practice resonates with personalized medicine. <ref> Govindaraj, P. et al. Genome-wide analysis correlates Ayurveda Prakriti. Sci. Rep. 5, 15786; doi: 10.1038/srep15786 (2015)</ref>

Currently, research in scientific community is focused  upon concept of [[deha prakriti]] only. The researchers  have conceptualized the correlation between phenotype of an individual and his prakriti. Genomic variations with the classification of prakriti are studied. It is observed that PGM1 correlates with phenotype of pitta prakriti.  This suggests that  the phenotypic classification has a genetic basis; and its prakriti-based practice resonates with personalized medicine. <ref> Govindaraj, P. et al. Genome-wide analysis correlates Ayurveda Prakriti. Sci. Rep. 5, 15786; doi: 10.1038/srep15786 (2015)</ref>

The  researchers studied relation between clinical phenotype and predisposition of disease. The study was undertaken to determine the association of Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T and A1298C with type 2 diabetes and prakriti. An extremely strong association between prakriti (kaphaja/kapha-pittaja) and type 2 diabetes (P < 0.00001) was detected in this study. <ref>Gupta A, Ali A, Tewari P, Agrawal NK, Patel R, Byadgi PS. Association of kaphaja and kapha-pittaja prakriti and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T allele with type 2 diabetes. AYU [serial online] 2018 [cited 2020 Jan 5];39:146-50. Available from: http://www.ayujournal.org/text.asp?2018/39/3/146/255251</ref>

The  researchers studied relation between clinical phenotype and predisposition of disease. The study was undertaken to determine the association of Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T and A1298C with type 2 diabetes and prakriti. An extremely strong association between prakriti (kaphaja/[[kapha]]-[[Pitta|pittaja]]) and type 2 diabetes (P < 0.00001) was detected in this study. <ref>Gupta A, Ali A, Tewari P, Agrawal NK, Patel R, Byadgi PS. Association of kaphaja and kapha-pittaja prakriti and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T allele with type 2 diabetes. AYU [serial online] 2018 [cited 2020 Jan 5];39:146-50. Available from: http://www.ayujournal.org/text.asp?2018/39/3/146/255251</ref>

== More information ==  

== More information ==  

# [[Naveganadharaniya Adhyaya]]

# [[Naveganadharaniya Adhyaya]]

# [[Rogabhishagjitiya Vimana]]

# [[Rogabhishagjitiya Vimana]]

=== List of references in Charak Samhita ===

=== List of references in Charak Samhita ===

The list of references about prakriti in Charak Samhita can be seen [[Media:Prakriti_references.pdf|here.]]

The list of references about prakriti in Charak Samhita can be seen [[index.php?title=Media:Prakriti references.pdf|here.]]

=== Abbreviations ===

=== Abbreviations ===