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== Importance of the concept of shastra ==
== Importance of the concept of shastra ==
<ul style='text-align:justify;'><li>Scientific scriptures provide light for illumination (to remove the darkness of ignorance or to know things), and one’s intellect is like eyes. The physician who uses both scientific knowledge and intelligence does not commit mistakes during treatment. Hence, the physician should make all efforts to enrich his knowledge. (Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana.9/24-25) </li>
<li>Bhaishajya ratnavali states that the vaidya who renders treatment without considering the teachings or learnings of shastra should be considered as ‘Yama’ or one responsible for the patient's death.<ref name="ref7">Govinddas Sen, Bhishajya Ratnavali , Ayurvedavatarana, 1/59, Part 1 , first edition 2005 , Chaukhambha Sanskri Pratishthan , Varanasi , Page No. 9 </ref></li>
<li>It is important to be well versed in different sciences to have command or definite knowledge regarding any particular topic. A clinician should thus have proper knowledge of different shastra or contemporary sciences. [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana.4/7] </li>
<li>Sushruta mentions that one who knows theory only without practical aspects of science cannot efficiently treat the patients (kevala shastradnya). The one who practices science without understanding the theory or basic knowledge behind any phenomenon does not get validation from society and authority (kevala karmagnya).[Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana.3/48-49] Both individuals are considered incompetent due to their incomplete practical/theoretical knowledge. These individuals are termed as “ardhavedadhara” similar to the bird having single wing. (Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana.4/50) </li>
<li>Sushruta also mentions that one can only be termed as vaidya if he has learned the shastra from a Guru in its entirety. It should be learned directly from the teacher (guru mukhodgeerna), inculcated the principles through self-study and hard work (upasya), and repeatedly listened to or going through the teachings of the Guru (asakruta). Those who have not acquired knowledge through the above-mentioned means should be termed as taskara (quack). (Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana.4/8) </li>
<li>Sushruta also states that aushadhi or medicines are like shastra (weapons), ashani (lightening), visha (poison). Hence it must not be prescribed by unqualified or incompetent individuals. (Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana.3/51) One who is trained in both aspects can efficiently render health to the patients, similar to a chariot with two wheels on a battle field. (Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana.3/54). The proper practice and practical utility of teachings in the science is encouraged as a science learnt without the application of same leads to mere hard work just as a donkey carrying sandalwood feels only the load and is not aware of the value of the load. An unintelligent and foolish person with theoretical knowledge of various topics but unaware of actual contents and importance possess them just like a donkey. (Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana.4/4) Thus, knowledge broadens and widens when one compliments the pratyaksha dnyana (practical knowledge) with shastra dnyana (knowledge of texts). Hence, one should observe patients' physical and anatomical characteristics to make an accurate diagnosis. (Su.Sa. Shareera Sthana.5/48,51) </li>
<li>Charaka has also stated a few examples to underline the disadvantages of incomplete knowledge of physicians, like a flight of a flock of birds on sensing the signs of danger (Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana.30/72-73). Hence, eight types of questions should be asked to assess the knowledge of such individuals. These include the aspects of tantra and tantra-artha related with shastra pariksha. One who is well versed with 'dnyana’ as stated in the text can efficiently treat the patient by understanding the patient's psyche. (Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana .4/12). Thus those having insufficient knowledge of shastra should always be avoided by wise persons as they represent the Yama (lord of death) itself. (A.H.Uttara Tantra 40/76)</li>
<li>Tarka (logic) based on shastra is mentioned in best practices. (Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana.25/40) </li>
<li>While explaining the methods of scientific discussion (vadamarga), it is clearly stated that one should discuss based on shastra. (Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana .8/67)</li>
<li>Shastra is like a weapon and its utility depends on the person who uses it. Misuse can lead to self-destruction, and wise usage can lead to wealth and fame. Hence, it should be properly implemented in practice. (Cha.Sa.Siddhi Sthana.12/49) </li>
<li>The vision to classify or understand the nuances of sciences cannot develop with a mere study of science but by practice and practical utility. (A.H.Sutra Sthana.12/56) </li>
<li>The use of sandalwood (Chandana) in treating burning sensation, or advice of fasting (langhana) in treatment of fever (jwara) are examples of preaching shastra that have become popular in the community. Thus, all the instances in practice are based on the foundation of shastra itself. (A.H.Uttar Tantra.40/71) </li>
<li>Chikitsa shastra or the samhita texts are devoid of the defects (tantradosha) and filled with qualities (tantraguna) making them universally accepted and applicable. (A.H.Uttar Tantra.40/78) Ayurveda is extensive science devoid of lacunae (nyunata dosha). (A.S.Uttar Tantra 50/75) </li></ul>
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