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|title=Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya

|title=Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya

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|keywords=Hṛidaya, ojas, shira, dhamani, srotas, classification of Ayu

|keywords=Hṛidaya, ojas, shira, dhamani, srotas, classification of Ayu, ayurveda, quality of life, good life, happy life, beneficial life, charak Samhita.

|description=Sutra Sthana Chapter 30. The Ten great vessels arising from Heart and aspects of healthy life

|description=Sutra Sthana Chapter 30. The Ten great vessels arising from Heart and aspects of healthy life

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=== Introduction ===

== Introduction ==

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''Mahat'' and ''artha'' are two synonyms that indicate ''hridaya'' (heart), used in this context exclusively in the literature related to medical science and not elsewhere. After the description of ''hridaya'' and the ten great vessels that originate there and elaborating further on ''ojas, shira, dhamani, strotas,'' etc., it further describes ''Ayu'' and the difference between happy, unhappy, beneficial, and non-beneficial kinds of life. These were briefly mentioned in the first chapter, but here these have been elaborated. The estimation of the lifespan of an individual when unexpected signs and symptoms appear and the role of self-realization and nonviolence in enhancing the longevity of life has been elaborated. Questions like ‘Why is [[Ayurveda]] eternal?’ have been taken up in this chapter. Since this is the last chapter of the [[Sutra Sthana]], it also provides an extensive ‘Table of Contents' of the entire text including an elaborate explanation of the sequence of chapters.

''Mahat'' and ''artha'' are two synonyms that indicate ''hridaya'' (heart), used in this context exclusively in the literature related to medical science and not elsewhere. After the description of ''hridaya'' and the ten great vessels that originate there and elaborating further on ''ojas, shira, dhamani, strotas,'' etc., it further describes ''Ayu'' and the difference between happy, unhappy, beneficial, and non-beneficial kinds of life. These were briefly mentioned in the first chapter, but here these have been elaborated. The estimation of the lifespan of an individual when unexpected signs and symptoms appear and the role of self-realization and nonviolence in enhancing the longevity of life has been elaborated. Questions like ‘Why is [[Ayurveda]] eternal?’ have been taken up in this chapter. Since this is the last chapter of the [[Sutra Sthana]], it also provides an extensive ‘Table of Contents' of the entire text including an elaborate explanation of the sequence of chapters.

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===Sanskrit text, transliteration and english translation===

==Sanskrit text, transliteration and english translation==

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We shall now expound the chapter on “The ten great vessels having their roots in the heart”. Thus said Lord Atreya. [1-2]

Now we shall expound the chapter "Arthedashmahamooliya" (Ten great vessels arising from Heart and aspects of healthy life). Thus said Lord Atreya. [1-2]

==== Importance of ''hridaya'' (heart) ====

=== Importance of Hridaya (heart) ===

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The heart sustains tactile perception, life, and body. That the heart is the supreme location of ''ojas'' and the locus of consciousness is the reason why physicians call it ''hridaya, mahat,'' or ''artha''. [7]

The heart sustains tactile perception, life, and body. That the heart is the supreme location of ''ojas'' and the locus of consciousness is the reason why physicians call it ''hridaya, mahat,'' or ''artha''. [7]

==== The importance of ''ojas'' and its seat at heart ====

=== The importance of ''ojas'' and its seat at heart ===

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It is the ''ojas'', located within the heart, that keeps all the beings content and alive. It is the essence in the fertilization and the essence of ''rasa'' in the embryo. It enters the heart during cardiogenesis, and its deficiency or loss leads to degeneration of the body. It is the seat of the essence of unctuous body fluids and vital life forces. Thus, the ''ojas'' is supremely important since it results in multiple benefits. [9-12]

It is the ''ojas'', located within the heart, that keeps all the beings content and alive. It is the essence in the fertilization and the essence of ''rasa'' in the embryo. It enters the heart during cardiogenesis, and its deficiency or loss leads to degeneration of the body. It is the seat of the essence of unctuous body fluids and vital life forces. Thus, the ''ojas'' is supremely important since it results in multiple benefits. [9-12]

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ध्मानाद्धमन्यः स्रवणात् स्रोतांसि सरणात्सिराः||१२||  

ध्मानाद्धमन्यः स्रवणात् स्रोतांसि सरणात्सिराः||१२||  

The heart, the great vessels, and the ''ojas'' need to be protected and preserved. To achieve this, one has to avoid causes of mental suffering especially. Diet, drugs, and behavior that are beneficial for the heart, for the formation of ''ojas'' and for keeping the vessels clear (or unblocked) should be adopted, along with the pursuit of mental peace and wisdom. [13-14]

The heart, the great vessels, and the ''ojas'' need to be protected and preserved. To achieve this, one has to avoid causes of mental suffering especially. Diet, drugs, and behavior that are beneficial for the heart, for the formation of ''ojas'' and for keeping the vessels clear (or unblocked) should be adopted, along with the pursuit of mental peace and wisdom. [13-14]

==== Best factors for life ====

=== Best factors for life ===

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==== The method of learning text of [[Ayurveda]] ====

==== The method of learning text of [[Ayurveda]] ====

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''Shakha, Vidya, Sutra, Jnana, Shastra, Lakshana,'' and ''Tantra'' are synonyms of [[Ayurveda]]. The purpose of this science has been explained in its definition. Various topics discussed in this science are Anatomy, Physiology, Etiology, Disease, Treatment, Attainment of health, Chronobiology, Physicians, Therapies, and Procedures. These are ten aspects that will be explained in this treatise. [31-32]

''Shakha, Vidya, Sutra, Jnana, Shastra, Lakshana,'' and ''Tantra'' are synonyms of [[Ayurveda]]. The purpose of this science has been explained in its definition. Various topics discussed in this science are Anatomy-Physiology, Dietetics, Etiology, Disease, Treatment for attainment of health, Chronobiology, Physicians, Therapies, and Procedures. These are ten aspects that will be explained in this treatise. [31-32]

==== Sections and their objects ====

==== Sections and their objects ====

The following are the eight sections that form [[Charak Samhita]]:-

The following are the eight sections that form [[Charak Samhita]]:-

#''Shloka Sthana'' (or [[Sutra Sthana]]) or the section on general principles having thirty chapters;  

# Shloka Sthana (or [[Sutra Sthana]]) or the section on general principles having thirty chapters;  

#[[Nidana Sthana]] or the section on diagnosis of diseases having eight chapters;  

#[[Nidana Sthana]] or the section on diagnosis of diseases having eight chapters;  

#[[Vimana Sthana]] or the section on specific determination of drugs etc., having eight chapters;  

#[[Vimana Sthana]] or the section on specific determination of drugs etc., having eight chapters;  

Thus it can be said that ''Sutra''(''shloka'') and ''Chikitsa''(''aushadha'') sections have thirty chapters each, ''Indriya''(''arishta''), ''Kalpa''(''vikalpa'') and ''Siddhi'' sections have twelve chapters each, and ''Nidana, Vimana,'' and ''Sharira''(''ashraya'') sections have eight chapters each. This is the entire treatise. [34]

Thus it can be said that ''Sutra''(''shloka'') and ''Chikitsa''(''aushadha'') sections have thirty chapters each, ''Indriya''(''arishta''), ''Kalpa''(''vikalpa'') and ''Siddhi'' sections have twelve chapters each, and ''Nidana, Vimana,'' and ''Sharira''(''ashraya'') sections have eight chapters each. This is the entire treatise. [34]

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स्वे स्वे स्थाने यथास्वं च स्थानार्थ उपदेक्ष्यते|  

स्वे स्वे स्थाने यथास्वं च स्थानार्थ उपदेक्ष्यते|  

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पृच्छा तन्त्राद्यथाम्नायं विधिना प्रश्न उच्यते|  

पृच्छा तन्त्राद्यथाम्नायं विधिना प्रश्न उच्यते|  

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सन्ति पाल्लविकोत्पाताः  सङ्क्षोभं जनयन्ति ये|  

सन्ति पाल्लविकोत्पाताः  सङ्क्षोभं जनयन्ति ये|  

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समग्रं दुःखमायत्तमविज्ञाने द्वयाश्रयम्|  

समग्रं दुःखमायत्तमविज्ञाने द्वयाश्रयम्|  

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==== Summary ====

=== Summary ===

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=== ''Tattva Vimarsha'' / Fundamental Principles===

== Tattva Vimarsha (Fundamental Principles)==

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*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.

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=== ''Vidhi Vimarsha'' / Applied Inferences===

== Vidhi Vimarsha (Applied Inferences) ==

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There are a few compelling similarities between ancient Greek medical literature and [[Ayurveda]].  However, ‘which school of medicine borrowed these ideas from whom?' - Has been an unresolved mystery. Some of the ideas that are significantly common to these two systems are humorism, the mechanism of blood formation, breathing, and circulation. One of the points that are widely debated in this context is the supremacy of brain versus the supremacy of heart. It looks like Hippocrates, Aristotle, Erasistratus and Galen had this confusion over the exact functions of the heart and the brain. They ascribed to the heart the functions such as perception of the sensations, motor control, intellect, emotions, etc. The above verse may be read with this background in mind. <ref name=ref1>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.  </ref> Another explanation could, however, be that these vital entities are functionally dependent on the heart, though not exactly located there.

There are a few compelling similarities between ancient Greek medical literature and [[Ayurveda]].  However, ‘which school of medicine borrowed these ideas from whom?' - Has been an unresolved mystery. Some of the ideas that are significantly common to these two systems are humorism, the mechanism of blood formation, breathing, and circulation. One of the points that are widely debated in this context is the supremacy of brain versus the supremacy of heart. It looks like Hippocrates, Aristotle, Erasistratus and Galen had this confusion over the exact functions of the heart and the brain. They ascribed to the heart the functions such as perception of the sensations, motor control, intellect, emotions, etc. The above verse may be read with this background in mind. <ref name=ref1>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.  </ref> Another explanation could, however, be that these vital entities are functionally dependent on the heart, though not exactly located there.

The functions of the brain are in fact well-documented in Ashtaṅga Hṛdaya, in the context of ''prāṇa vāyu'', whose anatomical location is ''mūrdhā'' (head). Vāgbhaṭa in this context explains the functions of ''prāṇa vāyu'' to be the control of higher mental activities, heart, respiration, swallowing, spitting, belching, sneezing and other sensory modalities. Even in Bhela Saṃhitā, the location of mind has been documented to be in the head.  (Verse 3, 4)

The functions of the brain are in fact well-documented in Ashtaṅga Hṛdaya, in the context of ''prāṇa vāyu'', whose anatomical location is ''murdha'' (head). Vāgbhaṭa in this context explains the functions of ''prāṇa vāyu'' to be the control of higher mental activities, heart, respiration, swallowing, spitting, belching, sneezing and other sensory modalities. Even in Bhela Samhita, the location of mind has been documented to be in the head.  (Verse 3, 4)

The detailed information on different kinds of blood vessels, functions of the heart, and physiology of circulation can be found in a published review paper titled “The history of the discovery of blood circulation: unrecognized contributions of [[Ayurveda]] masters." ¬¬<ref name=ref1/> (Verse 12)

The detailed information on different kinds of blood vessels, functions of the heart, and physiology of circulation can be found in a published review paper titled “The history of the discovery of blood circulation: unrecognized contributions of [[Ayurveda]] masters." <ref name=ref1/> (Verse 12)

The ideal way of reading, understanding and teaching a good textbook in the manner that is comprehensible for all categories of students has been explained here. Repetition of the concepts that are complex has been further highlighted. The contemporary theories on education to highlight the optimal repetition to enable good comprehension. (Verse 16, 17, 18, 19)

The ideal way of reading, understanding and teaching a good textbook in the manner that is comprehensible for all categories of students has been explained here. Repetition of the concepts that are complex has been further highlighted. The contemporary theories on education to highlight the optimal repetition to enable good comprehension. (Verse 16, 17, 18, 19)

Unlike various healthcare systems available today, [[Ayurveda]] is unique in its broad approach to health in particular and life in general. Besides managing diseases, its primary aim is to improve the quality of health and thus, prevention of diseases. [[Ayurveda]] considers myriad factors affecting human health in societies – at a macro or gross level – as well as at an individual (or micro level). Since each has a different ''Prakriti'' (body type), the factors favoring health have been systematically classified so that a healthcare provider can choose those factors by the person's body type and guide him/her to achieve a state of optimum health while preventing diseases. Similarly, in the case of diseases, personalized treatment with minimal side effects can be provided through [[Ayurveda]]. In the current world, where diseases, especially cancer, antibiotic resistant infections and autoimmune diseases are rapidly increasing, it is important to understand what health is and how to prevent disease. Sushruta has defined health as "a state of a dynamic equilibrium between entities that constitute a human being such as ''doshas, agni, dhatu, mala, atma, indriya,'' and ''manas''." These factors have been elaborated at different relevant places in chapters of [[Charak Samhita]].

Unlike various healthcare systems available today, [[Ayurveda]] is unique in its broad approach to health in particular and life in general. Besides managing diseases, its primary aim is to improve the quality of health and thus, prevention of diseases. [[Ayurveda]] considers myriad factors affecting human health in societies – at a macro or gross level – as well as at an individual (or micro level). Since each has a different ''Prakriti'' (body type), the factors favoring health have been systematically classified so that a healthcare provider can choose those factors by the person's body type and guide him/her to achieve a state of optimum health while preventing diseases. Similarly, in the case of diseases, personalized treatment with minimal side effects can be provided through [[Ayurveda]]. In the current world, where diseases, especially cancer, antibiotic resistant infections and autoimmune diseases are rapidly increasing, it is important to understand what health is and how to prevent disease. Sushruta has defined health as "a state of a dynamic equilibrium between entities that constitute a human being such as ''doshas, agni, dhatu, mala, atma, indriya,'' and ''manas''." These factors have been elaborated at different relevant places in chapters of [[Charak Samhita]].

   

   

==== Estimation of life span ====

=== Estimation of life span ===

As indicated earlier in this chapter and preceding chapters, [[Ayurveda]] is that source of knowledge which teaches and deals with ''Ayu'' (life). How so? By its characteristics, it imparts knowledge of joy and suffering, benefit and harm, and authentic/authoritative and unauthentic/unreliable (sources of information). It is also that body of knowledge which informs us about long life and short life (i.e., lifespan) and substances with its properties & actions that decide a person’s longevity.

As indicated earlier in this chapter and preceding chapters, [[Ayurveda]] is that source of knowledge which teaches and deals with ''Ayu'' (life). How so? By its characteristics, it imparts knowledge of joy and suffering, benefit and harm, and authentic/authoritative and unauthentic/unreliable (sources of information). It is also that body of knowledge which informs us about long life and short life (i.e., lifespan) and substances with its properties & actions that decide a person’s longevity.

The end of a life span is signaled by the abnormal changes in the sensory perception, in the objects of perception, in mind, in the intellect, and in movement. These signals help in the prediction of the death of an individual at a particular moment or time or day, after three days, five days, a week or ten days and after a fortnight, a month, six months or a year. ''Svabhāva'' (return to the natural state), ''uparama'' of ''pravriti'' (cessation of all activities), ''maraṇa'' (death), ''anityata'' (temporary state), ''nirodha'' (restriction in the continuation of life)- all these are synonymous with death. This is at the end of life. In the absence of such signs and symptoms, the life span is to be determined as unlimited from the prognostic point of view. In [[Ayurveda]], the life span is determined by nature of the physique, constitution, and special signs. The purpose of this Science ([[Ayurveda]]) is to preserve the health of the healthy and cure the disease of the unhealthy.  

The end of a life span is signaled by the abnormal changes in the sensory perception, in the objects of perception, in mind, in the intellect, and in movement. These signals help in the prediction of the death of an individual at a particular moment or time or day, after three days, five days, a week or ten days and after a fortnight, a month, six months or a year. ''Svabhāva'' (return to the natural state), ''uparama'' of ''pravriti'' (cessation of all activities), ''maraṇa'' (death), ''anityata'' (temporary state), ''nirodha'' (restriction in the continuation of life)- all these are synonymous with death. This is at the end of life. In the absence of such signs and symptoms, the life span is to be determined as unlimited from the prognostic point of view. In [[Ayurveda]], the life span is determined by nature of the physique, constitution, and special signs. The purpose of this Science ([[Ayurveda]]) is to preserve the health of the healthy and cure the disease of the unhealthy.  

==== Non-violence and other factors for sustaining life ====

=== Non-violence and other factors for sustaining 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.

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=== References ===

== References ==

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