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Abstract:
== [[Sharira Sthana]] Chapter 1 ==
=== Abstract ===
Sharirasthana is the study of human physiology and anatomy in Ayurveda, and follows the Sutra, Nidana and Vimana sections while preceding Indriya and Chikitsa sthana. A healthcare provider cannot treat a patient unless he is familiar with the entire physical constitution of the patient. A study of human sharira, or physiology, cannot be initiated without understanding purusha, a concept that could mean the self (atma), consciousness, the cosmic man, etc., depending upon the context. Hence this first chapter of this section, Katidhapurushiyam, defines purusha.
Sharirasthana is the study of human physiology and anatomy in Ayurveda, and follows the Sutra, Nidana and Vimana sections while preceding Indriya and Chikitsa sthana. A healthcare provider cannot treat a patient unless he is familiar with the entire physical constitution of the patient. A study of human sharira, or physiology, cannot be initiated without understanding purusha, a concept that could mean the self (atma), consciousness, the cosmic man, etc., depending upon the context. Hence this first chapter of this section, Katidhapurushiyam, defines purusha.
As mentioned already, the purusha is a complex concept integral to the study of the sharira. Purusha could stand for atma, or the Self, which is distinct from the physical body and the senses (indriya). The second use of the term purusha is in samyoga purusha that could mean a logical body of six constituents (shaddhatuja), of twenty-four constituents (chaturvimshati dhatuja), or that which is ideal for treatment (chikitsya purusha). The third meaning of purusha is in the context of ativahika purusha, a subtle body that passes on from one body to the next along with the soul. Besides these, there are several other forms or connotations described here in this text.
As mentioned already, the purusha is a complex concept integral to the study of the sharira. Purusha could stand for atma, or the Self, which is distinct from the physical body and the senses (indriya). The second use of the term purusha is in samyoga purusha that could mean a logical body of six constituents (shaddhatuja), of twenty-four constituents (chaturvimshati dhatuja), or that which is ideal for treatment (chikitsya purusha). The third meaning of purusha is in the context of ativahika purusha, a subtle body that passes on from one body to the next along with the soul. Besides these, there are several other forms or connotations described here in this text.