Changes

[[Siddhi Sthana]] has a unique identity in the vast scripture of [[Charaka Samhita]] as the cardinal part of text which imparts knowledge regarding successful modes of therapeutic administration. Among the ancient Ayurvedic texts of “Brihattrayi”(three major texts), only the [[Charaka Samhita]] holds [[Siddhi Sthana]] as an elemental part of it. The last portion of [[Charaka Samhita]] has distinct characteristics in comparison to other portions with respect to its contents, arrangement of chapters and addition of much significant information which was not included before.  The portion of [[Siddhi Sthana]] was not available in [[Charaka Samhita]] during ninth century AD and was considered as missing. Later it was Dridhabala, the Kashmiri exponent and resident of the ancient city of Panchanadapura (modern day Panjore, in Kashmir) who did an immense literary work for completing the [[Charaka Samhita]] by compiling several important treatises of that time. He added 17 chapters of [[Chikitsa Sthana]], whole of [[Kalpa Sthana]] and [[Siddhi Sthana]]. Hence he is known as expounder or amender of the [[Charaka Samhita]].

[[Siddhi Sthana]] has a unique identity in the vast scripture of [[Charaka Samhita]] as the cardinal part of text which imparts knowledge regarding successful modes of therapeutic administration. Among the ancient Ayurvedic texts of “Brihattrayi”(three major texts), only the [[Charaka Samhita]] holds [[Siddhi Sthana]] as an elemental part of it. The last portion of [[Charaka Samhita]] has distinct characteristics in comparison to other portions with respect to its contents, arrangement of chapters and addition of much significant information which was not included before.  The portion of [[Siddhi Sthana]] was not available in [[Charaka Samhita]] during ninth century AD and was considered as missing. Later it was Dridhabala, the Kashmiri exponent and resident of the ancient city of Panchanadapura (modern day Panjore, in Kashmir) who did an immense literary work for completing the [[Charaka Samhita]] by compiling several important treatises of that time. He added 17 chapters of [[Chikitsa Sthana]], whole of [[Kalpa Sthana]] and [[Siddhi Sthana]]. Hence he is known as expounder or amender of the [[Charaka Samhita]].

Precisely stating the term ''siddhi'' is defined as successful administration of therapeutic procedures. [[Siddhi Sthana]] deals with various practical aspects of [[Panchakarma]] procedures and it is the continuation of [[Kalpa Sthana]] where various therapeutic formulations are explained.  The practical skill of a physician supersedes his textual knowledge on the various                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  formulations. Success in managing unpredictable clinical situations evolves from the logical understanding and modifications on therapeutic formulations.  In medical practice unexpected situations are not rare. [[Siddhi Sthana]] deals with the scientific explanations of [[Panchakarma]] procedures and details the optimal response of each procedure, major pitfalls in diagnostic outcomes along with possible complications and their management strategies.  

Precisely stating the term ''siddhi'' is defined as successful administration of therapeutic procedures. [[Siddhi Sthana]] deals with various practical aspects of [[Panchakarma]] procedures and it is the continuation of [[Kalpa Sthana]] where various therapeutic formulations are explained.  The practical skill of a physician supersedes his textual knowledge on the various                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  formulations. Success in managing unpredictable clinical situations evolves from the logical understanding and modifications on therapeutic formulations.  In medical practice unexpected situations are not rare. [[Siddhi Sthana]] deals with the scientific explanations of [[Panchakarma]] procedures and details the optimal response of each procedure, major pitfalls in diagnostic outcomes along with possible complications and their management strategies.  

As mentioned earlier ''siddhi'' means success. Success attained by chance (''yadrischha'') is not considered as ideal or repeatable. Further it should be justified with ''tarka'' (logical reasoning). Further ''tarka'' is formulated depending on ''yukti'' (rational analysis). ''Yukti'' is the suitability of combinations in an outcome. When multiple causative factors are operating in an outcome, “yukti” examines the genuineness of causal relationship between the exposures and outcome. It is an intellectual exercise supported by proper reasoning and thinking. The role of multiple causative factors operating for an outcome is very genuine especially in a biological system like medicine. There are various reasons behind any outcome which is either success or failure. That is why consideration of various variables like dushya (vitiated factors), desha (patient’s body and living place), bala (strength), kala (season and time of administration) etc. are very important in Ayurvedic health care system. Repeated success in therapeutic attempts proves one’s siddhi. This is called as reproducibility which is the hall mark feature of scientific methods.  Charaka categorically states that the concept of siddhi is established on the basis of yukti principle. Yukti itself is dependent on matra (posology) and kala (time of administration). Ascertaining the optimal dose at optimal time is the key to successful outcome in therapeutics. Hence Siddhi sthana can be considered as the portion of Charaka samhita where the philosophical principle of yukti associates with siddhi, the pragmatic success.  

As mentioned earlier ''siddhi'' means success. Success attained by chance (''yadrischha'') is not considered as ideal or repeatable. Further it should be justified with ''tarka'' (logical reasoning). Further ''tarka'' is formulated depending on ''yukti'' (rational analysis). ''Yukti'' is the suitability of combinations in an outcome. When multiple causative factors are operating in an outcome, “yukti” examines the genuineness of causal relationship between the exposures and outcome. It is an intellectual exercise supported by proper reasoning and thinking. The role of multiple causative factors operating for an outcome is very genuine especially in a biological system like medicine. There are various reasons behind any outcome which is either success or failure. That is why consideration of various variables like dushya (vitiated factors), desha (patient’s body and living place), bala (strength), kala (season and time of administration) etc. are very important in Ayurvedic health care system. Repeated success in therapeutic attempts proves one’s ''siddhi''. This is called as reproducibility which is the hall mark feature of scientific methods.  Charaka categorically states that the concept of siddhi is established on the basis of yukti principle. ''Yukti'' itself is dependent on matra (posology) and ''kala'' (time of administration). Ascertaining the optimal dose at optimal time is the key to successful outcome in therapeutics. Hence [[Siddhi Sthana]] can be considered as the portion of [[Charaka Samhita]] where the philosophical principle of ''yukti'' associates with siddhi, the pragmatic success.  

Let us examine certain salient features of Siddhi sthana.  It is the first ever compiled discussion on one to one interaction between the learner and his preceptor over the standard operating procedures (SOP) of panchakarma in Ayurveda. Among five therapeutic procedures Siddhi sthana has highlighted basti. Major share of the text has been devoted in explaining various aspects of basti, its importance, varieties, clinical relevance and practical aspects. The procedural details of vamana and virechana are conferred less. This may probably be because it has to be read in continuation with kalpa sthana where details of vamana as well as virechana formulations and their modus operandi have been given. Moreover, procedure of vamana and virechana had been previously explained in Sutra sthana in an exclusive chapter. So the omitted details of basti, are explained with more significance. Basti has been equated to half of the whole treatment or as the whole treatment itself. The minute details of observations seen in day to day clinical practice like, reasons for basti medicine for not reaching its destination, reasons for long retention without expulsion or early expulsion etc. are mentioned along with optimal responses of basti procedures.  Siddhi sthana can be the first text to have explained minute details of basti procedure from material of nozzle, its shape and size and the logical reason behind lying in the left lateral position while administering.  

Let us examine certain salient features of Siddhi sthana.  It is the first ever compiled discussion on one to one interaction between the learner and his preceptor over the standard operating procedures (SOP) of panchakarma in Ayurveda. Among five therapeutic procedures Siddhi sthana has highlighted basti. Major share of the text has been devoted in explaining various aspects of basti, its importance, varieties, clinical relevance and practical aspects. The procedural details of vamana and virechana are conferred less. This may probably be because it has to be read in continuation with kalpa sthana where details of vamana as well as virechana formulations and their modus operandi have been given. Moreover, procedure of vamana and virechana had been previously explained in Sutra sthana in an exclusive chapter. So the omitted details of basti, are explained with more significance. Basti has been equated to half of the whole treatment or as the whole treatment itself. The minute details of observations seen in day to day clinical practice like, reasons for basti medicine for not reaching its destination, reasons for long retention without expulsion or early expulsion etc. are mentioned along with optimal responses of basti procedures.  Siddhi sthana can be the first text to have explained minute details of basti procedure from material of nozzle, its shape and size and the logical reason behind lying in the left lateral position while administering.  

The first chapter Kalpana siddhi gives, in brief, the overall content of all the panchakarma procedures. It highlights the samyak lakshanas (the indicators of the optimal activity) of each procedure. It sheds light over the apt spacing between procedures and its relevance. The chapter ends by mentioning the incompetency in treatment due to wrong posology and timing which are worth understanding. The author has laid down the importance of judicious selection of procedures to suitable patients by devoting the second section of Siddhi sthana. Explanations for contraindications and indications of basti have been detailed. Contraindications are narrated first as this pattern reinforces the importance of avoiding wrong procedures to unsuitable patients. The reasons behind the contraindications are also explained in detail which gives further insight to the mode of action of each procedure in different clinical situations. Additional mention about certain specific categories of patients as universal contraindications to all procedures under the terms like chanda (ferocious), sahasika (rashful), kritaghna (ungrateful), dweshta (hated by others) etc. are incorporated. This reference points to the fact that the physician had discernment upon the society of the period. The last part of the chapter also specifically mentions the concept of withdrawal criteria in clinical practice where karya (objective) becomes akarya (paused).

The first chapter Kalpana siddhi gives, in brief, the overall content of all the panchakarma procedures. It highlights the samyak lakshanas (the indicators of the optimal activity) of each procedure. It sheds light over the apt spacing between procedures and its relevance. The chapter ends by mentioning the incompetency in treatment due to wrong posology and timing which are worth understanding. The author has laid down the importance of judicious selection of procedures to suitable patients by devoting the second section of Siddhi sthana. Explanations for contraindications and indications of basti have been detailed. Contraindications are narrated first as this pattern reinforces the importance of avoiding wrong procedures to unsuitable patients. The reasons behind the contraindications are also explained in detail which gives further insight to the mode of action of each procedure in different clinical situations. Additional mention about certain specific categories of patients as universal contraindications to all procedures under the terms like chanda (ferocious), sahasika (rashful), kritaghna (ungrateful), dweshta (hated by others) etc. are incorporated. This reference points to the fact that the physician had discernment upon the society of the period. The last part of the chapter also specifically mentions the concept of withdrawal criteria in clinical practice where karya (objective) becomes akarya (paused).