Line 14: |
Line 14: |
| Acharya Charaka states that, the Prakrti is the expression of the result of close connection of body with doshas; while acharya Sushruta stated that, Prakrti is formed by the most profound dosha at the time of union of Shukra (sperm) and Shonita (Ova). <blockquote>शुक्रशोणितसंयोगे यो भवेद्दोष उत्कटः | प्रकृतिर्जायते तेन.. (Sush. Samh. 4.63)<ref>Sushruta Samhita ([http://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/esushruta/?mod=read Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 4 Sutra 63])</ref> </blockquote>One more definition of Prakrti in literature provides basic insights about it. <blockquote>प्रकृतिः नाम जन्ममरणान्तरकालभाविनी, गर्भावक्रान्तिसमये स्वकारणोद्रेकजनिता निर्विकारिणी दोषस्थितीः (Rasa. Samh. 1.6)<ref>Rasavaisheshika Sutra 1.6</ref></blockquote>From these statements it is concluded that, Prakrti is the expression of the individual with reference to one's own specific body structure, function, behavior and relation to ecology. <ref name=":0" /> | | Acharya Charaka states that, the Prakrti is the expression of the result of close connection of body with doshas; while acharya Sushruta stated that, Prakrti is formed by the most profound dosha at the time of union of Shukra (sperm) and Shonita (Ova). <blockquote>शुक्रशोणितसंयोगे यो भवेद्दोष उत्कटः | प्रकृतिर्जायते तेन.. (Sush. Samh. 4.63)<ref>Sushruta Samhita ([http://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/esushruta/?mod=read Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 4 Sutra 63])</ref> </blockquote>One more definition of Prakrti in literature provides basic insights about it. <blockquote>प्रकृतिः नाम जन्ममरणान्तरकालभाविनी, गर्भावक्रान्तिसमये स्वकारणोद्रेकजनिता निर्विकारिणी दोषस्थितीः (Rasa. Samh. 1.6)<ref>Rasavaisheshika Sutra 1.6</ref></blockquote>From these statements it is concluded that, Prakrti is the expression of the individual with reference to one's own specific body structure, function, behavior and relation to ecology. <ref name=":0" /> |
| | | |
− | == Types == | + | == Classification of human personality as met in Ayurveda == |
| + | In Astanga Hrdya, the divisions of classification based on above mentioned two biases are called Dosamayi and Gunamayi Prakrti (A.H.II. 3.83/104) Charaka and Susruta describe different typologies from humoral (physiological homeostasis) and Psychological (the Predominance of three Ansas of Sattva) point of view. Susruta gives another typology of Bhautik Prakrti (S.S.III. 4.79). The bias of Bhautik Prakrti is based on physical considerations. |
| + | |
| + | == Types of Dosha Prakrti == |
| Ayurveda described 7 basic types of Prakrti. These are decided on the basis of dominance of one or 2 doshas among 3 doshas. Thus total 7 types of Prakrti are listed below, | | Ayurveda described 7 basic types of Prakrti. These are decided on the basis of dominance of one or 2 doshas among 3 doshas. Thus total 7 types of Prakrti are listed below, |
| # Vata dominant | | # Vata dominant |
Line 25: |
Line 28: |
| In some individuals one dosha while in some individuals 2 doshas are dominant at the time of genesis of Prakrti. It is believed that, among these 7 types, Samadhatu i.e. Prakrti formed by all 3 doshas in equilibrium is the best one, however it is almost impossible to find such a constitution due to various factors beyond control of an individual. Vata predominant prakrti is called as Hina, Pitta prakrti is called as Madhyama while Kapha prakrti is believed to be Uttama. Rest of the prakrtis having 2 doshas dominant are considered contemptible owing the vulnerability of these individuals for falling sick. <ref>Ashtanga Hrudayama (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutra )</ref> <ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 7 Sutra 39-40)</ref> | | In some individuals one dosha while in some individuals 2 doshas are dominant at the time of genesis of Prakrti. It is believed that, among these 7 types, Samadhatu i.e. Prakrti formed by all 3 doshas in equilibrium is the best one, however it is almost impossible to find such a constitution due to various factors beyond control of an individual. Vata predominant prakrti is called as Hina, Pitta prakrti is called as Madhyama while Kapha prakrti is believed to be Uttama. Rest of the prakrtis having 2 doshas dominant are considered contemptible owing the vulnerability of these individuals for falling sick. <ref>Ashtanga Hrudayama (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutra )</ref> <ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 7 Sutra 39-40)</ref> |
| | | |
− | == Classification of human personality as met in Ayurveda == | + | == Types of Guna Prakrti == |
− | In Astanga Hrdya, the divisions of classification based on above mentioned two biases are called Dosamayi and Gunamayi Prakrti (A.H.II. 3.83/104) Caraka and Susruta describe different typologies from humoral (physiological homeostasis) and Psychological (the Predominance of three Ansas of Sattva) point of view. Susruta gives another typology of Bhautik Prakrti (S.S.III. 4.79). The bias of Bhautik Prakrti is based on physical considerations.
| + | Sattva, Rajas and Tamas are considered as the 3 gunas of Manas (Mind). Each of them is responsible for display of specific characteristics. On the basis of their dominance Guna Prakrti is classified primarily into 3 heads as below. |
| + | # Sattvik |
| + | # Rajas |
| + | # Tamas |
| + | Since this type of Prakrti is related to one's psychological status, emotions and instincts, it can be called as mind-type of an individual. Acharya Sushruta has further classified these 3 types into more subtypes as follows, |
| + | |
| + | Sub-types of Sattvik Prakrti |
| + | # Brhma |
| + | # Mahendra |
| + | # Varuna |
| + | # Koubera |
| + | # Gandharva |
| + | # Yamya |
| + | # Rshi |
| + | Sub-types of Rajas Prakrti |
| + | # Asura |
| + | # Sarpa |
| + | # Shakuna |
| + | # Rakshasa |
| + | # Paishach |
| + | # Preta |
| + | Sub-types of Tamas Prakrti |
| + | # Pashava |
| + | # Matsya |
| + | # Vanaspatya |
| + | |
| + | == Jatyadi Prakrti == |
| + | |
| + | == Factors responsible for genesis of Prakrti == |
| | | |
| == Characteristics of 3 basic Prakrtis == | | == Characteristics of 3 basic Prakrtis == |
Line 33: |
Line 64: |
| == Significance of knowing one's Prakrti == | | == Significance of knowing one's Prakrti == |
| Since prakriti is related to certain physical and mental tendencies that determine susceptibility to diseases, the ancient texts of Ayurveda also provide guidelines for maintaining lifestyles in accordance with one's prakriti for continued healthy living in a personalized manner. | | Since prakriti is related to certain physical and mental tendencies that determine susceptibility to diseases, the ancient texts of Ayurveda also provide guidelines for maintaining lifestyles in accordance with one's prakriti for continued healthy living in a personalized manner. |
| + | |
| + | == References == |