Role of gobalivardha nyaya (maxim) in understanding the ayurvedic literature of brihatrayee: a review

Summary of article contents:

In a broad spectrum and general sense ‘Nyaya’ means reasoning but when made precise it becomes a maxim. Both the aspects are necessary in the interpretation of an Ayurvedic verse. The treasure of ancient Ayurvedic knowledge is kept in the form of shlokas (Sanskrit verses). One cannot get original and hidden or concealed meaning of a verse by simple reading and sometimes reader could be confused. To overcome this, different commentators of Brihatrayee like Chakrapani, Dalhana and Arunadutta employed various nyayas as per the necessity. They act as important tools to understand the literature in a lucid manner. Nyayas are used to convey the ideas of the author easily and clearly, so that even low intellectuals also can understand the concept easily. Gobalivardha Nyaya is one among them which is defined as “The maxim of cattle (cow) and bull”. The present article is an attempt to trace out the various references of Gōbalivardha Nyaya and its application in those contexts articulated by different commentators of Brihatrayee.