According to this theory, when Prakruti was in the precreative stage with the trigunas in balance, cosmic consciousness was without form, however existing as the subtle vibration of the cosmic ‘soundless’ Aum. The cascade of changes due to interplay of the three gunas at the primeval stage of evolution, created five basic attributes which lie in the substance…

Further under the influence of rajoguna from the sattwic aspect of ahamkara develops manas or mind i.e., further evolution. Mahat, Ahamkara and Manas are the inner organs of the human body (Antahkaranas) and are the receptacles of one’s consciousness. Together called ‘Chitta’ they impart direct awareness of self. The ahamkara shapes one’s personality. From further interplay of the trigunas arise external organs (bahyakaranas) – the five organs of knowledge (Gyanendriyas)…

According to Samkhya philosophy Purusha refers to an unmanifest cosmic consciousness, which is formless, colourless, choiceless and beyond attribute. Also referred to as the ‘Grace’ it does not take part in the manifestation of the universe and is eternal. Emanating from this Grace is Prakruti – the womb of all creation. It is a dynamic principle through which all…

Tracing Back to Samkhya Philosophy The theoretical core of the practice of Ayurveda is allied with the four principle Vedas, the substance of which is carefully expounded in a six-pronged approach. These six limbs or angas, as they are called, refer to the six Darshanas or perceptions of the Vedas that explicate the philosophy of the Vedas in a…

Together the teachings of Charaka, Sushruta and Vagbhatta form the Brhat Tryi, the ‘greater triad’ of surviving texts that are the heart of Ayurvedic literature. Comparatively later texts namely Madhava Nidanam (700 CE), Sarangadhara Samhita (1300 CE) and the Bhava Prakasa Nighantu (1300 CE) form the Laghu Tryi or the ‘lighter triad’. Besides these texts, there are many more highly respected Ayurvedic physicians including Ayurveda…

Apart from the above mentioned major treatises, a few others dating back to the period between 1500 BC–7th century include Harita Samhita, Bhela Samhita and Kasyapa Samhita, which are not available in complete form. Between the 8th and 15th century, there have been many works written in the field of Ayurvedic pharmacology or Dravya Guna. These nighantus were appendices to…

Great exponents of the Atreya school of physicians were the six disciples of Sage Atreya – Agnivesha, Bhela, Jatukarna, Parasara, Harita and Ksharpani. Each of them wrote a comprehensive work on the practice of medicine. These works were passed on orally in the teacher-student lineage before being put down in text form. The knowledge was…

References to diseases, herbs and herbal cures can be seen in all the four Vedas. Atharvana Veda has many hymns eulogizing herbs. Aushadhi Sukta in Rig Veda is the oldest document available on medicinal plants in this region. Ayurvedic teachings were originally transmitted for thousands of years before being written down in melodious Sanskrit poetry.…

The Lineage The term Ayurveda is a combination of two Sanskrit words – ‘Ayush’ meaning health and longevity and ‘Veda’ meaning profound knowledge. Ayurvedic medicine originated in the early civilizations of India some 3000–6000 years ago. Reference to it in the form of verses is recorded in Vedas – the ancient religious and philosophical texts…

It seems necessary to appreciate the historical fact that various knowledge systems have had their genesis and basic evolution in specific cultural spaces in time and hence are bound to be different in their expression. The key to appreciating cultural plurality is an acceptance of the fact that cultures are guided by their own way of…