The human body is thus a microcosm of nature and is essentially composed of the five basic elements (see box). In the context of perceptivity, while the Mahabhootas and thus the totality of corporeal existence by itself cannot be perceived objectively, their presence can be inferred by the manifestation of certain qualities. In other words…
With an intuitive insight into the complexity of our origin, Ayurveda understands that the knowledge of the body is never complete, a truth that is painfully obvious to anyone who tries to keep abreast of the myriad developments and contradictory opinions of today’s medical science. This merry-go-round of shifting phenomenon and perceptions is identified as…
Among the scores of modern theories that attempt to explain the origin of the universe, the popular big bang theory based on Sir Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity and proposed by George Gamow conceives the universe as having started out as a very hot gas. Made up of neutrons it decayed into protons, electron and…
According to Ayurveda everything in the universe is contained within the five elements. The first step down from consciousness into the world of matter from the subtlest energy particles to the bulk of our flesh is composed of these elements. It is incorrect to consider the five primal elements – space, air, fire, water and…
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…