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== व्युत्पत्तिः ॥ Etymology ==

== व्युत्पत्तिः ॥ Etymology ==

<blockquote>शीर्यते तद् शरीरम् | {{Citation needed}}</blockquote><blockquote>śīryate tad śarīram |</blockquote>The root word in samskrit from which the the term 'Sharira' has been derived, indicates the process of degeneration. Therefore, the word 'Sharira' in Samskrit means, 'the one that is in the process of continuous degeneration'. It denotes the natural tendency of physical body to degenerate or to undergo wear and tear (if not intervened with use of food or medicines). This indicates the mortal nature of human body. However, in the womb before birth, in the childhood and even in the young age the body grows and develops more than undergoing degeneration. This tendency of the body is explained by other synonymously used terms like ‘Deha’ (देहः), ‘Kaya’ (काया), ‘Vapu’ (वपुः) which suggest growing nature of physical body (with the help of food and other nourishing factors).   

Derived from शॄ  dhatu, शीर्य्यते रोगादिना यत् ।<ref name=":02">Shabdakalpadhruma (See [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6 शरीरं])</ref> that which withers (decays) due to illness etc., is called sharira. The synonyms of sharira as given in various koshas are as follows.<ref name=":02" />

 

 

 

 

 

इन्द्रियायतनम् २६ भूः २७ मूर्त्तिमत् २८ करणम् २९ वेरम् ३० सञ्चरः ३१ बन्धः ३२ पुद्गलम् ३३ । इति हेमचन्द्रः ॥ indriyāyatanam 26 bhūḥ 27 mūrttimat 28 karaṇam 29 veram 30 sañcaraḥ 31 bandhaḥ 32 pudgalam 33 | iti hemacandraḥ ||

 

The root word in samskrit from which the the term 'Sharira' has been derived, indicates the process of degeneration. Therefore, the word 'Sharira' in Samskrit means, 'the one that is in the process of continuous degeneration'. It denotes the natural tendency of physical body to degenerate or to undergo wear and tear (if not intervened with use of food or medicines). This indicates the mortal nature of human body. However, in the womb before birth, in the childhood and even in the young age the body grows and develops more than undergoing degeneration. This tendency of the body is explained by other synonymously used terms like ‘Deha’ (देहः), ‘Kaya’ (काया), ‘Vapu’ (वपुः) which suggest growing nature of physical body (with the help of food and other nourishing factors).   

== शरीरस्य परिभाषा ॥ Definition of Sharira by Ayurveda ==

== शरीरस्य परिभाषा ॥ Definition of Sharira by Ayurveda ==

According to Acharya Charaka, Sharira is the seat for Atma (आत्मा। life energy) and it is composed of derivatives of the Panchamahabhutas (पञ्चमहाभूतानि। five basic elements) in a specific proportion that maintains equilibrium. <blockquote>तत्र शरीरं नाम चेतनाधिष्ठानभूतं पञ्चमहाभूतविकारसमुदायात्मकं समयोगवाहि | (Char. Samh. 6.4)<ref name=":0">Charaka Samhita ([http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-1.28.2/index.php?title=Sharira_Vichaya_Sharira#Definition_of_sharira_and_disequilibrium_in_body_elements Sharirsthanam Adhyaya 6 Sutram 4])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>tatra śarīraṁ nāma cetanādhiṣṭhānabhūtaṁ pañcamahābhūtavikārasamudāyātmakaṁ samayogavāhi |</blockquote>Acharya Sushruta has described sharira on the basis of its physical appearance and its parts like organs, tissues, systems developing at the time of its growth in the womb. <ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 5 Sutram 3)</ref>

According to Acharya Charaka, Sharira is the seat for Atma (आत्मा। life energy) and it is composed of derivatives of the Panchamahabhutas (पञ्चमहाभूतानि। five basic elements) in a specific proportion that maintains equilibrium. <blockquote>तत्र शरीरं नाम चेतनाधिष्ठानभूतं पञ्चमहाभूतविकारसमुदायात्मकं समयोगवाहि | (Char. Samh. 6.4)<ref name=":0">Charaka Samhita ([http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-1.28.2/index.php?title=Sharira_Vichaya_Sharira#Definition_of_sharira_and_disequilibrium_in_body_elements Sharirsthanam Adhyaya 6 Sutram 4])</ref> tatra śarīraṁ nāma cetanādhiṣṭhānabhūtaṁ pañcamahābhūtavikārasamudāyātmakaṁ samayogavāhi |</blockquote>Acharya Sushruta has described sharira on the basis of its physical appearance and its parts like organs, tissues, systems developing at the time of its growth in the womb. <ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 5 Sutram 3)</ref>

== शरीरस्य मूलम् ॥ Roots of Sharira ==

== शरीरस्य मूलम् ॥ Roots of Sharira ==

== शरीरस्य क्लेश तथा विनाशस्य कारणम्॥ Factors responsible for maintenance and destruction of Sharira ==

== शरीरस्य क्लेश तथा विनाशस्य कारणम्॥ Factors responsible for maintenance and destruction of Sharira ==

Ayurveda has given utmost importance to maintaining the equilibrium of 3 components viz. Dosha (दोषाः।), Dhatu (धातवः।) & Malas (मलाः।). It is said that, when these constituents are in equilibrium, the individual is healthy thus, all of them are called Dhatus in this state. On the other hand, when these 3 components fail to maintain equilibrium (in terms of alteration in their natural quality or quantity) then there is either discomfort or destruction of the body.<blockquote>यदा ह्यस्मिञ् शरीरे धातवो वैषम्यमापद्यन्ते तदा क्लेशं विनाशं वा प्राप्नोति | (Char. Samh. 6.4)<ref name=":0" /></blockquote><blockquote>yadā hyasmiñ śarīre dhātavo vaiṣamyamāpadyante tadā kleśaṁ vināśaṁ vā prāpnoti |</blockquote>It is clear from the foregoing that, Ayurveda has attributed the status of health and ill-health entirely to the balanced state of 3 components namely Doshas, Dhatus and Malas.

Ayurveda has given utmost importance to maintaining the equilibrium of 3 components viz. Dosha (दोषाः।), Dhatu (धातवः।) & Malas (मलाः।). It is said that, when these constituents are in equilibrium, the individual is healthy thus, all of them are called Dhatus in this state. On the other hand, when these 3 components fail to maintain equilibrium (in terms of alteration in their natural quality or quantity) then there is either discomfort or destruction of the body.<blockquote>यदा ह्यस्मिञ् शरीरे धातवो वैषम्यमापद्यन्ते तदा क्लेशं विनाशं वा प्राप्नोति | (Char. Samh. 6.4)<ref name=":0" /> yadā hyasmiñ śarīre dhātavo vaiṣamyamāpadyante tadā kleśaṁ vināśaṁ vā prāpnoti |</blockquote>It is clear from the foregoing that, Ayurveda has attributed the status of health and ill-health entirely to the balanced state of 3 components namely Doshas, Dhatus and Malas.

=== ओज अभावः॥ Depletion of Ojus ===

=== ओज अभावः॥ Depletion of Ojus ===

Ojus (ओजः) is considered the quintessence of all the Dhatus. Being the essence and the purest form of all 7 types of body tissues, it represents overall strength of the body and thus it is also referred to as the 'Balam' (बलम्) or strength of the body. While describing the nature and other properties of Ojus, Acharya Sushruta has stated that, If this Ojus is depleted it causes degeneration of the Shariram. <blockquote>ओजः .... प्राणायतनमुत्तमम् || देहः सावयवस्तेन व्याप्तो भवति देहिनः | तदभावाच्च शीर्यन्ते शरीराणि शरीरिणाम् || (Sush. Samh. 15.22)<ref>Sushruta Samhita ([http://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/esushruta/?mod=read Sutrastanam Adhyaya 15 Sutra 22])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>ojaḥ .... prāṇāyatanamuttamam || dehaḥ sāvayavastena vyāpto bhavati dehinaḥ | tadabhāvācca śīryante śarīrāṇi śarīriṇām ||</blockquote>

Ojus (ओजः) is considered the quintessence of all the Dhatus. Being the essence and the purest form of all 7 types of body tissues, it represents overall strength of the body and thus it is also referred to as the 'Balam' (बलम्) or strength of the body. While describing the nature and other properties of Ojus, Acharya Sushruta has stated that, If this Ojus is depleted it causes degeneration of the Shariram. <blockquote>ओजः .... प्राणायतनमुत्तमम् || देहः सावयवस्तेन व्याप्तो भवति देहिनः | तदभावाच्च शीर्यन्ते शरीराणि शरीरिणाम् || (Sush. Samh. 15.22)<ref>Sushruta Samhita ([http://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/esushruta/?mod=read Sutrastanam Adhyaya 15 Sutra 22])</ref> ojaḥ .... prāṇāyatanamuttamam || dehaḥ sāvayavastena vyāpto bhavati dehinaḥ | tadabhāvācca śīryante śarīrāṇi śarīriṇām ||</blockquote>

 

== शरीरवृद्धीकराः भावाः ॥ Factors responsible for growth of Sharira ==

== शरीरवृद्धीकराः भावाः ॥ Factors responsible for growth of Sharira ==

In line with Ayurveda’s objective of promoting health of individual, description is found on the role of some important factors in growth of this Sharira. These factors play critical role in growth and development of physical body according to Ayurveda. Superior or inferior quality of these factors decide Sharira's growth or its stagnation.  

In line with Ayurveda’s objective of promoting health of individual, description is found on the role of some important factors in growth of this Sharira. These factors play critical role in growth and development of physical body according to Ayurveda. Superior or inferior quality of these factors decide Sharira's growth or its stagnation.  

This topic is another example of brilliance of ancient Ayurveda scholars. They have precisely pointed out the various factors that should be considered together in order to understand the possible reasons for proper or improper growth of physical body of any individual. Listed following are those critical factors responsible for one’s growth and development,

This topic is another example of brilliance of ancient Ayurveda scholars. They have precisely pointed out the various factors that should be considered together in order to understand the possible reasons for proper or improper growth of physical body of any individual. Listed following are those critical factors responsible for one’s growth and development,

<blockquote>कार्त्स्न्येन शरीरवृध्दिकरास्त्विमे भावा भवन्ति; तद्यथा- कालयोगः, स्वभावसंसिध्दि:, आहारसौष्ठवम्,अविघातश्चेति|| (Char. Samh. 6.12) <ref>Charaka Samhita ([http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-1.28.2/index.php?title=Sharira_Vichaya_Sharira#Factors_responsible_for_growth Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 6 Sutram 12])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>kārtsnyena śarīravr̥dhdikarāstvime bhāvā bhavanti; tadyathā- kālayogaḥ, svabhāvasaṁsidhdi:, āhārasauṣṭhavam,avighātaśceti||</blockquote>

<blockquote>कार्त्स्न्येन शरीरवृध्दिकरास्त्विमे भावा भवन्ति; तद्यथा- कालयोगः, स्वभावसंसिध्दि:, आहारसौष्ठवम्,अविघातश्चेति|| (Char. Samh. 6.12) <ref>Charaka Samhita ([http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-1.28.2/index.php?title=Sharira_Vichaya_Sharira#Factors_responsible_for_growth Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 6 Sutram 12])</ref> kārtsnyena śarīravr̥dhdikarāstvime bhāvā bhavanti; tadyathā- kālayogaḥ, svabhāvasaṁsidhdi:, āhārasauṣṭhavam,avighātaśceti||</blockquote>

 

=== कालयोगः॥ Favorable time of season and age ===

=== कालयोगः॥ Favorable time of season and age ===

The natural age of growth and development is childhood and young age while the natural time of year favorable for growth and building strength is Visarga kala (विसर्ग कालः। season of the year where strength of body is naturally superior). (See [[Rutucharya (ऋतुचर्या)|Rtucharya]] (ॠतुचर्या। seasonal regimen) for details on Visarga kala). The nature's force aids in the process of growth in this period positively.

The natural age of growth and development is childhood and young age while the natural time of year favorable for growth and building strength is Visarga kala (विसर्ग कालः। season of the year where strength of body is naturally superior). (See [[Rutucharya (ऋतुचर्या)|Rtucharya]] (ॠतुचर्या। seasonal regimen) for details on Visarga kala). The nature's force aids in the process of growth in this period positively.

=== अविघातः॥ Absence of inhibiting factors ===

=== अविघातः॥ Absence of inhibiting factors ===

In spite of having good quality food at favorable time of life and season, one might face difficulty in maintaining good health and life. This could be because of presence of or practice of some such factors which adversely affect body growth. Classics mention few examples like indulging in unhygienic practices, excessive sexual activity and not following rules mentioned in [[Sadvrutta (सद्वृत्तम्)|Sadvrtta]] (सद्‍वृत्तम्। noble code of conduct). These practices are regarded as the inhibiting factors for growth and thus adversely affect growth and development.

In spite of having good quality food at favorable time of life and season, one might face difficulty in maintaining good health and life. This could be because of presence of or practice of some such factors which adversely affect body growth. Classics mention few examples like indulging in unhygienic practices, excessive sexual activity and not following rules mentioned in [[Sadvrutta (सद्वृत्तम्)|Sadvrtta]] (सद्‍वृत्तम्। noble code of conduct). These practices are regarded as the inhibiting factors for growth and thus adversely affect growth and development.

== References ==

== References ==

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[[Category:Ayurveda]]

[[Category:Ayurveda]]