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Line 84: − + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + − धर्मार्थकाममोक्षाणामारोग्यं मूलमुत्तमम्||१५||+ − रोगास्तस्यापहर्तारः श्रेयसो जीवितस्य च|+ − प्रादुर्भूतो मनुष्याणामन्तरायो महानयम्||१६||+ − कः स्यात्तेषां शमोपाय इत्युक्त्वा ध्यानमास्थिताः|+ + − अथ ते शरणं शक्रं ददृशुर्ध्यानचक्षुषा||१७||+ + + − स वक्ष्यति शमोपायं यथावदमरप्रभुः|+ − Health is the best source of virtue, wealth, gratification and emancipation; while diseases are destroyers of this (source), welfare and life itself. Now this (disease) has appeared as a great obstacle for human beings and what could be the means for their amelioration. Saying this, they concentrated on finding the solution. Then in that state of meditation they realized Indra as savior. That only the King of the Gods will be able to tell the correct means of amelioration (of disease).[15-17]+ − ==== Knowledge transfer from Indra to Bharadwaja ====+ − कः सहस्राक्षभवनं गच्छेत् प्रष्टुं शचीपतिम्||१८|| − अहमर्थे नियुज्येयमत्रेति प्रथमं वचः|+ − भरद्वाजोऽब्रवीत्तस्मादृषिभिः स नियोजितः||१९||+ − स शक्रभवनं गत्वा सुरर्षिगणमध्यगम् |+ − ददर्श बलहन्तारं दीप्यमानमिवानलम्||२०||+ − सोऽभिगम्य जयाशीर्भिरभिनन्द्य सुरेश्वरम्|+ − प्रोवाच विनयाद्धीमानृषीणां वाक्यमुत्तमम्||२१||+ − व्याधयो हि समुत्पन्नाः सर्वप्राणिभयङ्कराः|+ − तद्ब्रूहि मे शमोपायं यथावदमरप्रभो||२२||+ − तस्मै प्रोवाच भगवानायुर्वेदं शतक्रतुः|+ − पदैरल्पैर्मतिं बुद्ध्वा विपुलां परमर्षये||२३||+ − Who should go to the abode of Indra to inquire about the correct means of amelioration of disease? On this, volunteered Bharadwaja, “I may be deputed for this work” and so he was deputed by the sages. Having gone to Indra’s abode, he saw Indra- the slayer of ''Bala'' (a demon), sitting in the midst of the groups of godly sages and glittering like fire. He approached him with felicitating words of praises and blessings and the intelligent one submitted to him the message of the sages humbly and in the best possible way- “Diseases causing fear in all living beings have appeared so, O Lord of the Gods! Tell me the proper measure for their amelioration!”. Then Lord Indra, having sensed the wide intelligence of the great sage, delivered to him Ayurveda in a few words. [18-23]+ − === Hierarchy of transfer of knowledge of Ayurveda === − दीर्घं जीवितमन्विच्छन्भरद्वाज उपागमत्|+ + + − इन्द्रमुग्रतपा बुद्ध्वा शरण्यममरेश्वरम्||३||+ − Bharadwaja [[2]], a great scholar, went to the King of Gods and the saviour Indra[[3]], in quest of longevity. [3]+ + + − ब्रह्मणा हि यथाप्रोक्तमायुर्वेदं प्रजापतिः|+ − जग्राह निखिलेनादावश्विनौ तु पुनस्ततः||४||+ + − अश्विभ्यां भगवाञ्छक्रः प्रतिपेदे ह केवलम्|+ − ऋषिप्रोक्तो भरद्वाजस्तस्माच्छक्रमुपागमत्||५||+ − Ayurveda in its entirety as recited by Brahma[[4]] was received by Prajapati [[5]] at first. Then the Ashwins (received) the knowledge. From Ashwins, lord Indra received it fully. That is why Bharadwaja, as beseeched by the sages, came to Indra.[4-5]+ − == Medicine in the Vedas and Puranas ==+ − References to medi<span class="_ _1"></span>cine are found in the earliest texts including the Vedas. The legendary version of the origin of the Ayurvedic system is that Brahma reminded it to Prajapati, who handed it down to Atreya Punarvasu etc. In the Rig Veda there are reference to the first divine physician Rudra and of how the Aswini Kumaras cured Chyavana of senility. There are number of Riks addressed to Marut, vayu etc, in which the reference to medicine is unmistakable. Although such references are found in the Rig Veda, as systematic and comprehensive treatment of medicine is to be found only in the Atharva Veda. The Atharva Veda is considered to have originated later than the Rig Veda, and contains a description of diseases and the cure of them.<ref name=":0">Narayanaswamy, V. (1981). Origin and development of ayurveda (a brief history). Ancient science of life. 1. 1-7. </ref> − The tradition of medical knowledge is further carried during the period of the puranas. References to drugs, diseases and health care are to be found in the epics. Thus we see in the Ramayana, that expert physicians attended on kings and they were capable of preserving dead bodies. In the Mahabharatha there are references to surgeons attending on the wounded and the disabled with all the appliances and equipments in the battle field. <ref name=":0" />+ − + − <span class="_ _1"></span>We shall next consider the period whensystematic development can be said to have taken place. This era is associated with a few illustrious names, the first of whom is Agnivesa. The Samhita written by him which is classic which has survived to this day has been made available to the world by Caraka, a redactor. Historically it would appear that during Caraka’s time the Agnivesa Samhita has fallen into discuse or partly perished, and Caraka undertook the great task of restoring the work, filing up the gaps and re-writing the parts of the work, which had become obscure. This will be evident from the subscription to each chapter in which the author states that he has redone the chapter (Pratisamakrita). The work has undergone a further revision by one Dridabala: at least the last 17 chapters devoted to Cikitsa and the whole Kalpa and Siddhi stanas have been re-written by Dridabala as stated in the colophon of each chapter.<ref name=":0" />+ − + +
Origin and history of Ayurveda (आयुर्वेदोत्पत्तिः आयुर्वेदावतरणं च) (view source)
Revision as of 20:39, 9 January 2023
, 20:39, 9 January 2023→Vedas and Ayurveda
==== Four objectives of Life ====
==== Four objectives of Life ====
Few keypoints that were discussed in that conference and became the grounds for their further search. discussion as well as for the acceptance of Ayurveda in later time have been described by Acharya Charaka as follows,
Few key-points that were discussed in that conference and became the grounds for further search, discussion as well as the very basis for the learning [[Ayurveda (आयुर्वेदः)|Ayurveda]] in later time, have been described by Acharya Charaka. <blockquote>धर्मार्थकाममोक्षाणामारोग्यं मूलमुत्तमम्||१५|| रोगास्तस्यापहर्तारः श्रेयसो जीवितस्य च|
प्रादुर्भूतो मनुष्याणामन्तरायो महानयम्||१६||</blockquote>[[Purushartha (पुरुषार्थ:)|Purusharthas]] viz. Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha are the 4 principle categories of pursuits in human life. The life of a human being was set in the framework of these four Purusharthas by our ancient seers. In order to pursue any and all of these, one has to have good health as a primary criterion. Since Good health is fundamental to achieve Purusharthas, Arogyam (Good Health) is said to be the root or the basic foundation of Purushrthas. Diseases cause ill health and disturb this very basic requirement to perform any activity related to dharma, Artha, Kama or Moksha. Therefore rogas (diseases) appear to be the destroyers of not only health but also of one's welfare, prosperity and life as a whole. Therefore, there was an immense need to find the solution. Realising this need, all of them concentrated on finding the solution. Then in that state of meditation they realized [[Indra (इन्द्रः)|Indra]] as savior. They could understand that only the King of the Gods will be able to tell the correct means of amelioration (of disease). Hence they decided to send a deputation to Indra to ask, learn the solution and teach it to the seers then.
==== Knowledge transfer from Indra to Bharadwaja ====
Rishis decided to send a deputation to the abode of Indra devata to learn the correct means for amelioration of diseases. Rishi Bharadwaja voluntarily took up the duty and went to the abode of Indra. Acharya Charaka describe how Indra was sitting amidst the groups of godly sages and glittering like fire when Bharadwaja reached there. Then with felicitating words of praise and blessings, Rshi Bharadwaja greeted Indra , submitted to him and conveyed the message of the rishis in a humble way. Rshi Bharadwaja said,<blockquote>व्याधयो हि समुत्पन्नाः सर्वप्राणिभयङ्कराः| तद्ब्रूहि मे शमोपायं यथावदमरप्रभो||२२||</blockquote>Meaning: Diseases have appeared in living beings and are causing fear. Therefore O Lord of the Gods! please tell us the measure for amelioration these diseases.
<blockquote>तस्मै प्रोवाच भगवानायुर्वेदं शतक्रतुः| पदैरल्पैर्मतिं बुद्ध्वा विपुलां परमर्षये||२३||</blockquote>Meaning: Having sensed the intelligence of the great sage, Indra then transferred the knowledge of Ayurveda to him in few words.
This is the legend described in classical text Charaka Samhita about the process of knowledge transfer and origin of Ayurveda in this world thousands and thousands of years ago. But it was the milestone of knowledge transfer and then onwards,
=== Hierarchy of transfer of knowledge of Ayurveda ===
दीर्घं जीवितमन्विच्छन्भरद्वाज उपागमत्|
इन्द्रमुग्रतपा बुद्ध्वा शरण्यममरेश्वरम्||३||
Bharadwaja [[2]], a great scholar, went to the King of Gods and the saviour Indra[[3]], in quest of longevity. [3]
ब्रह्मणा हि यथाप्रोक्तमायुर्वेदं प्रजापतिः|
जग्राह निखिलेनादावश्विनौ तु पुनस्ततः||४||
अश्विभ्यां भगवाञ्छक्रः प्रतिपेदे ह केवलम्|
ऋषिप्रोक्तो भरद्वाजस्तस्माच्छक्रमुपागमत्||५||
Ayurveda in its entirety as recited by Brahma[[4]] was received by Prajapati [[5]] at first. Then the Ashwins (received) the knowledge. From Ashwins, lord Indra received it fully. That is why Bharadwaja, as beseeched by the sages, came to Indra.[4-5]
== Medicine in the Vedas and Puranas ==
References to diseases, medicines, herbs and healthcare discussed in Ayurveda can be found in Vedic literature. Specifically [[Rigveda (ऋग्वेदः)|Rigveda]], [[Yajurveda (यजुर्वेदः)|Yajurveda]] and [[Atharvaveda (अथर्ववेदः)|Atharvaveda]] have multiple references about these. Among Vedas, Atharvaveda is found to have maximum and in depth description about diseases and treatment aspect. Therefore, Ayurveda is widely considered to be the Upaveda of Atharvaveda. Some also believe it to be the [[Upavedas (उपवेदाः)|Upaveda]] of Rigveda. The tradition of medical knowledge is further carried during the period of the [[Puranas (पुराणानि)|puranas]] as well. Epics like [[Ramayana (रामायणम्)|Ramayana]] and [[Mahabharata (महाभारतम्)|Mahabharata]] also include references to drugs, diseases and healthcare. It appears that the knowledge of Ayurveda was so much developed in the times of these epics that, there were expert physicians and surgeons who attended on the kings and they were capable of performing some complex tasks like preserving of dead bodies as well as carrying out surgeries and well versed in wound care in battlefield. <ref name=":0">Narayanaswamy, V. (1981). Origin and development of ayurveda (a brief history). Ancient science of life. 1. 1-7. </ref>
=== Vedas and Ayurveda ===
'''Ayurveda in Rigveda'''
{{Main article|Ayurveda in Rigveda (ऋग्वेदे आयुर्वेदः)}}
Description of natural remedies, sun exposure curing certain diseases.
In Rigveda, there are mentions of Rudra and Ashvini Kumaras as the God physicians and their divine work.
There are instances of when Ashvini Kumaras cured Rishi Chyavana of old age, according to certain historians the widely popular '''Chyavanprasha''' was curated by Ashvini Kumaras to cure rishi Chyavana from senility.
Mention of surgeries like iron leg transplant can be found.
Usage of single drug medicines
There are number of Riks addressed to Marut, vayu etc, in which the reference to medicine is unmistakable.
'''Yajurveda'''
In Shukla Yajurveda, there are many references regarding certain diseases like arshas, hridroga, kustha, and many more. There is mention of medicinal properties of various dravyas/drugs.
There is also the description of anatomical structures of the Human body as well as animals.
There are verses in “Taitariya Samhita” describing treatment for vision loss, Yakshma (which can be loosely correlated with tuberculosis), Unmada and etc.
'''Atharva Veda'''
Veda contains at least 20 khand which is the knowledge of Atharva and Angirasa rishi.12,300 verses. Ayurveda is found in Shaunaka branch(among shaunaka and pippalada)
Ayurveda is considered a Upanga of Atharva Veda since it contains the majority of the detailed explanation about Ayurveda. Also, certain Verses present in Rigveda have their detailed description or clarification in Atharva Veda.
systematic and comprehensive treatment of medicine is to be found only in the Atharva Veda. The Atharva Veda is considered to have originated later than the Rig Veda, and contains a description of diseases and the cure of them.<ref name=":0" />
===Upanishad ===
{{Main article|Ayurveda in Upanishadas (उपनिषदेशु आयुर्वेदः)}}
There are 108 Upanishads which date from around 800-400 BCE. Major references regarding Pranayama are found in some Upanishads esp taittariya and Chandayoga.
There are mentions and explanations regarding prana vata.
Description of certain Dravyas/drugs like Agaru, amla, Amra etc.
=== Smritis===
Vedas are the foundation of Smritis. There are 18 smritis basically, like manusmriti, Naradiya smriti, and Vishnu smriti in total.
Descriptions about lifestyle, for example, bathing and studying after having meals are contraindicated. This is mentioned in smritis. Thus, concepts that regulate lifestyle in an ayurvedic way are mentioned.
===Ramayana and Mahabharata===
These two great epics have mentions of Ayurveda as well.
In Ramayana there is mention of the dead body preservation of king Dasharatha until Bharata, his son arrives.
Transplantation of organs by Ashwini kumaras
Various herbs like Kutaja, Nimba, Ashoka and etc have been described in different places.
Vaidya Sushena treated Lakshamana with herbs brought from the Himalayas by Lord hanuman.
Usage of poisonous substances
== Beginnings of Systematic Development ==
==Beginnings of Systematic Development==
We shall next consider the period when systematic development can be said to have taken place. This era is associated with a few illustrious names, the first of whom is Agnivesa. The Samhita written by him which is classic which has survived to this day has been made available to the world by Caraka, a redactor. Historically it would appear that during Caraka’s time the Agnivesa Samhita has fallen into discuse or partly perished, and Charaka undertook the great task of restoring the work, filing up the gaps and re-writing the parts of the work, which had become obscure. This will be evident from the subscription to each chapter in which the author states that he has redone the chapter (Pratisamakrita). The work has undergone a further revision by one Dridabala: at least the last 17 chapters devoted to Cikitsa and the whole Kalpa and Siddhi stanas have been re-written by Dridabala as stated in the colophon of each chapter.<ref name=":0" />
Story of origin of Ayurveda as per Charaka Samhita sutrasthanam 1
Story of origin of Ayurveda as per Charaka Samhita sutrasthanam 1
== References ==
== References==
[[Category:Ayurveda]]
[[Category:Ayurveda]]
<references />