A brief concept of chatuska in brihatrayee

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Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: A brief concept of chatuska in brihatrayee
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Author(s):

Khagen Basumatary
Professor and HOD, Department of Samhita and Siddhanta, Government Ayurvedic College, Jalukbari, Assam
Chumi Bhatta*
P. G Scholar, Department of Samhita and Siddhanta, Government Ayurvedic College, Jalukbari, Assam


Ayushdhara:

(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)

Full text available for: A brief concept of chatuska in brihatrayee

Year: 2018

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that focuses on maintaining health and treating diseases through a holistic understanding of life. Core to its teachings are the three authoritative texts known collectively as the Brihatrayee: Charak Samhita, Susruta Samhita, and Astanga Hridaya, each contributing significantly to the field of Ayurveda. These texts are structured around specific classifications, and the concept of "Chatuska" in the Charak Samhita uniquely encapsulates various aspects of Ayurvedic philosophy. This article explores the Chatuska concept and attempts to reorganize the Susruta Samhita and Astanga Hridaya to align with this framework, enhancing understanding and comparative study.

The Concept of Chatuska in Charak Samhita

In Charak Samhita, the Sutrasthana is divided into seven Chatuskas, which serve as classifications that collect various Ayurvedic teachings into cohesive units. This unique structuring allows for easy navigation of topics concerning health, dietetics, and disease management. Each Chatuska integrates multiple themes, such as the principles of treatment, the qualities of physicians, and dietary guidelines. For instance, the "Swasthya Chatuska" elaborates on personal hygiene, seasonal regimen, and dietary aspects essential for maintaining health, providing a well-rounded guide to preventive care. This classification presents a systematic approach that is not mirrored by Susruta or Astanga hridaya, highlighting the distinctive nature of Charak Samhita’s organizational method.

Bharatanatyam: A Comparative Framework for Ayurvedic Texts

The article proposes that the chapters of Susruta Samhita and Astanga Hridaya, though lacking a similar Chatuska classification, can be rearranged to align with Charak Samhita's framework. By identifying corresponding themes and topics, the authors strive to streamline the study of these texts, facilitating easier comprehension for students and practitioners. For example, the Susruta Samhita's discussions on treatment methods, dosha classifications, and patient care can be correlated with respective Chatuskas from Charak Samhita, thereby creating interconnected pathways of understanding among the vast Ayurveda literature. The comparative study enriches the knowledge landscape by bridging classifications across different texts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ayurveda is primarily defined by its classical texts, which provide a deep reservoir of knowledge on health and disease. The Charak Samhita's innovative division into Chatuskas offers a unique lens through which Ayurvedic principles can be systematically understood. The study presented herein underlines the importance of reclassifying Susruta Samhita and Astanga Hridaya in a manner consistent with Charak Samhita, which may improve accessibility and understanding among students and practitioners alike. By organizing Ayurvedic knowledge through this combined framework, the article aims to foster a more integrated approach in the study and application of these ancient texts, ultimately enhancing the practice of Ayurveda in contemporary settings.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the significance of Chatuska in Ayurveda?

Chatuska is a unique classification system in Ayurveda that organizes knowledge into coherent groups, allowing for easier study and understanding. In Charak Samhita, it is used to systematically present essential topics related to health, diet, and treatment principles.

How does Charak Samhita differ from Sushruta Samhita and Astanga Hridaya?

Charak Samhita uniquely divides its topics into seven Chatuskas, whereas Sushruta Samhita and Astanga Hridaya do not utilize this classification system. This characteristic enhances the structured understanding of Charak’s teachings and its practical applications in Ayurveda.

What are the primary texts in Ayurveda referenced in Chatuska?

The three foundational texts of Ayurveda are Charak Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Astanga Hridaya. Each text presents critical teachings about health, disease management, and treatment, with unique organizational structures reflecting their respective approaches to medicine.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “A brief concept of chatuska in brihatrayee”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Samhita:
Samhita refers to a methodically rule-based combination of texts or verses. For instance, Charak Samhita, Susruta Samhita, and Astanga Hridaya are fundamental authoritative texts in Ayurveda. The term 'Samhita' literally means put together or joined union, underpinning the ancient Indian medical knowledge contained within these texts.

2) Adhya:
Adhya typically refers to a chapter or section within a larger text. For example, in the Sutrasthana of Charak Samhita, different Adhya cover varied medical subjects such as diet, drug formulations, and treatment principles.

3) Dravya:
Dravya denotes substances or materials used in medicinal contexts. In Ayurveda, various Dravyas (substances) are classified based on their importance, curative properties, and their use in different formulations for disease management.

4) Disease:
[see source text or glossary: Disease]

5) Roga:
Roga signifies diseases or ailments in Ayurvedic texts. It covers numerous conditions affecting different parts of the body, categorized by their symptoms, causes, and the body's balancing factors known as Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha).

6) Vrana:
Vrana refers to wounds or ulcers, which are significant in surgical contexts. The treatment and management of Vrana are extensively discussed in the Shalya tantra, detailing various procedures and medicinal preparations for proper healing and prevention of infection.

7) Ashtanga (Astanga, Ashtan-anga):
Astanga refers to the eight branches or divisions of Ayurveda. Astanga Hridaya and Astanga Samgraha are texts that elaborate on these divisions, encompassing various principles of health and disease management.

8) Vidhi:
Vidhi means procedure or method in Ayurvedic literature. It includes guidelines or protocols for therapeutic techniques such as Nasya Vidhi (nasal medication procedure) or Virechana Vidhi (purgation procedure).

9) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa denotes taste, which is one of the significant aspects of Dravya (substances) in Ayurveda. Each Rasa has its properties and effects on the body, contributing to the therapeutic actions of medicinal formulations.

10) Sushruta-samhita (Susruta-samhita):
Sushruta-samhita, one of the principal texts (Brihatrayee) of Ayurveda, is foundational for Shalya tantra, focusing on surgical techniques, instruments, post-operative care, and treatment methodologies for various medical conditions.

11) Hridaya (Hrdaya):
[see source text or glossary: Hridaya]

12) Dosha (Dosa):
[see source text or glossary: Dosa]

13) Karma (Karman):
Karma implies action or treatment prescribed in Ayurvedic texts. It includes therapeutic procedures like Sneha Karma (oleation), Sweda Karma (sudation), and Shodhana Karma (purification procedures).

14) Yantra (Yamtra):
Yantra denotes an instrument or appliance used in surgical and therapeutic contexts. Different types of Yantras and their specific uses are discussed, especially in relation to extracting foreign objects or performing precise surgical interventions.

15) Vata:
Vata is one of the three Doshas representing air and space elements. It governs bodily functions related to movement, including nerve impulses, circulation, and respiration. Imbalances in Vata Dosha lead to various disorders.

16) Guna:
Guna represents qualities or properties. In Ayurveda, a substance’s Guna (quality) determines its effects on the body, influencing its therapeutic use. For example, Guna can describe the heating or cooling properties of a medicinal plant.

17) Arishta (Arista):
Arista denotes omens or signs indicating the approaching death or serious disease. It is used to predict the prognosis by observing specific symptoms or changes in bodily functions.

18) Pitta:
Pitta is one of the three Doshas representing fire and water elements. It is responsible for transformation processes, such as digestion and metabolism. An imbalance in Pitta can cause inflammatory conditions and other heat-related issues.

19) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda, the science of life, is an ancient system of Indian medicine aiming to maintain health and treat diseases. It emphasizes balance among the body’s three Doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and prescribes diet, lifestyle, and therapeutic interventions accordingly.

20) Shalya (Salya):
Salya often overlaps with 'Shalya' in signifying surgical procedures and instruments. Specifically, it can refer to foreign objects or splinters that need removal, requiring precise surgical interventions for extraction.

21) Shastra (Sastra):
[see source text or glossary: Shastra]

22) Diet:
[see source text or glossary: Diet]

23) Drug:
[see source text or glossary: Drug]

24) Vikriti (Vikrti):
Vikriti refers to abnormalities or disorders in bodily systems and functions resulting from Dosha imbalance. These changes can be identified and classified for diagnostic and treatment purposes.

25) Sthana:
Sthana means place or section and, in Ayurveda, can refer to bodily locations or parts of texts. For instance, the Charak Samhita has multiple Sthanas, each dedicated to specific topics such as diagnosis, treatment, or surgical procedures.

26) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three Doshas, representing earth and water elements. It maintains bodily structure and solidarity, regulating immunity, growth, and stability. Imbalances in Kapha can lead to issues like congestion, lethargy, and fluid retention.

27) Rakta:
Rakta refers to blood, an essential bodily fluid according to Ayurveda. It plays a crucial role in the functioning of the body and is often involved in diagnostic and therapeutic contexts to assess purity and quality.

28) Agni:
Agni signifies digestive fire and is essential for the transformation of food into energy and nutrients. Proper functioning of Agni is crucial for maintaining health and metabolic processes. Impaired Agni can lead to various digestive disorders.

29) Kalpana:
Kalpana refers to formulations or methods of preparing Ayurvedic medicines. Various Kalpanas are detailed, such as decoctions, powders, oils, and other medicinal preparations, customized according to the patient’s needs.

30) Mrityu (Mrtyu):
Mrityu means death, often discussed in contexts predicting the prognosis of a patient. Arista, or death omens, can indicate the probability of impending Mrityu based on specific signs and symptoms.

31) Nasya (Nashya):
Nasya denotes nasal medication where herbal oils or powders are administered through the nasal passages. This treatment is used to cure diseases related to the nasal cavity, head, and shoulders by delivering therapeutic substances directly to the brain.

32) Ritu (Rtu):
Ritu refers to seasons, and their impact on health is studied under the concept of Ritucharya. The body's Doshas behave differently in each Ritu, necessitating seasonal dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes to maintain balance and prevent disorders.

33) Bhatta:
[see source text or glossary: Bhatta]

34) Aha (Ahan, Ahar):
[see source text or glossary: Ahar]

35) Vagbhata:
Vagbhata is the author of two important texts, Astanga Hridaya and Astanga Samgraha, which consolidate the principles and practices of Ayurveda into comprehensive medical treatises still revered and studied today.

36) Annapana (Anna-pana):
Annapana refers to the classification and properties of various types of food and drink. In texts like Charak Samhita, it deals with the dietary considerations for health, digestion, and disease management.

37) Indriya (Imdriya):
[see source text or glossary: Indriya]

38) Shopha (Sopha):
Sopha indicates swelling or edema, a symptom that can arise due to various underlying causes. It is part of the Roga (disease) discussions, where different types of Sopha along with their treatment methods are detailed.

39) Kala:
Kala signifies time and its divisions that impact health and disease according to Ayurvedic principles. Seasonal changes (Ritu), daily routines (Dinacharya), and stages of life (Vaya) are part of Kala's influences on the body's Doshas and overall health.

40) Shabda (Sabda):
Shabda means sound, and in medical context, it can relate to diagnostic aspects such as auscultation or recognizing specific sounds associated with bodily functions or imbalances, contributing to disease diagnosis.

41) Yojana:
Yojana usually refers to planning or strategy. In Ayurveda, it could relate to the structured approach in therapeutic interventions, as seen in chapters organizing treatment methods and the use of various medical techniques.

42) Vyadhin (Vyadhi):
Vyadhi means disease, encompassing a wide array of conditions affecting human health. Different types of Vyadhi are categorized based on Dosha involvement, symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and treatment protocols.

43) Virya:
Virya refers to the potency or efficacy of a substance, especially medicinal drugs. In Ayurveda, understanding a drug’s Virya is crucial for determining its therapeutic effects and ensuring appropriate treatment outcomes.

44) Food:
[see source text or glossary: Food]

45) Milk:
[see source text or glossary: Milk]

46) Sutrasthana (Sutra-sthana):
Sutrasthana is a section in Ayurvedic texts that outlines fundamental principles of the entire Samhita. It’s considered the 'head' of the text, containing key concepts and the organizational framework for the rest of the chapters.

47) Sadvritta (Sadvrtta, Sat-vritta):
Sadvritta denotes good conduct or ethical practices. It includes guidelines for maintaining physical, mental, and social wellbeing that are essential for prevention of diseases and promotion of a healthy lifestyle.

48) Atidagdha:
Atidagdha refers to severely burnt tissue. In Ayurveda, detailed treatment protocols are provided to deal with different types of burns (dagdha) and their specific care requirements.

49) Durdagdha (Dur-dagdha):
Durdagdha indicates improperly or severely burnt tissue. Ayurvedic texts offer comprehensive treatment guidelines for such conditions, focusing on symptom relief and promoting healing.[see source text or glossary: Durdagdha]

50) Substance:
[see source text or glossary: Substance]

51) Tarpana:
Tarpana is a therapeutic practice involving the application of medicated ghee or oil to the eyes. It is used to treat various eye disorders by nourishing and rejuvenating eye tissues.

52) Bheshaja (Bhesaja):
[see source text or glossary: Bhesaja]

53) Sadhya:
Sadhya indicates conditions that are treatable or curable within Ayurvedic literature. Diseases are classified based on their prognosis, guiding the physician in planning appropriate therapeutic strategies.

54) Shuddha (Suddha):
Suddha means pure or purified. In medical texts, it often refers to the quality of substances like blood (Rakta Suddha) or drugs that need to be cleaned from impurities before usage.[see source text or glossary: Suddha]

55) Matra:
Matra refers to the correct dosage of a medicinal substance or therapy. Precise measurements ensure efficacy and safety in treatment, taking into account the patient’s constitution (Prakriti) and the specific disease condition.

56) Desha (Desa):
Desha designates the geographical or environmental factors influencing health. Different regions have distinct impacts on bodily Doshas and diseases, necessitating customized treatment approaches based on location.

57) Dhatu:
Dhatu refers to the seven fundamental tissues of the body: Rasa (plasma), Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscle), Meda (fat), Asthi (bones), Majja (marrow), and Shukra (reproductive tissue). Health depends on the balance and proper functioning of these Dhatus.

58) Varga:
Varga indicates a category or group. In Ayurveda, it is used to classify substances, foods, diseases, and other entities into distinct groups based on shared properties or therapeutic roles.[see source text or glossary: Varga]

59) Visha (Visa):
Visha refers to poisons or toxic substances. Ayurvedic texts discuss methods for detoxification and remedies to counteract the harmful effects of various poisons on the human body.

60) Veda:
Veda refers to the body of ancient sacred knowledge encompassing various aspects of life, including medicine (Ayurveda). Samhitas, which are foundational texts in Ayurveda, are part of this extensive Vedic literature.

61) Gana:
Gana signifies a group or collection. In Ayurveda, medicinal plants and other substances are grouped into Ganas based on their properties, uses, and therapeutic actions for easier reference and application in treatments.

62) Kaphadosha (Kaphadosa, Kapha-dosha):
Kapha-dosha is one of the three Doshas, embodying earth and water elements. It is responsible for stability, lubrication, and structural integrity within the body. Imbalances in Kapha-dosha can lead to conditions like mucus congestion and obesity.

63) Jalavarga (Jala-varga):
[see source text or glossary: Jala-varga]

64) Mutravarga (Mutra-varga):
[see source text or glossary: Mutravarga]

65) Purvakarma (Purvakarman, Purva-karman):
Purvakarma are preparatory procedures performed before the main Panchakarma (five actions) treatments. They include methods like Snehana (oleation) and Swedana (sudation) to help loosen toxins and prepare the body for detoxification.

66) Siddhanta (Siddha-anta, Siddhamta):
Siddhanta denotes established principles or doctrines. In Ayurveda, it refers to fundamental concepts and teachings that form the basis for diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of health and disease.

67) Knowledge:
[see source text or glossary: Knowledge]

68) Upadrava:
Upadrava refers to complications or secondary conditions that arise during the course of a disease. Recognizing and addressing Upadrava is crucial for successful management and treatment of primary diseases.

69) Gangeya (Gamgeya):
[see source text or glossary: Gangeya]

70) Utpatti:
Utpatti means origin or creation. In Ayurvedic texts, it often refers to the origin of medicinal plants, diseases, or the bodily Doshas and their role in maintaining health and causing disease.[see source text or glossary: Utpatti]

71) Sparsha (Sparsa):
Sparsha translates to touch, one of the diagnostic tools for assessing disease. Various textures and temperatures discerned through Sparsha help in identifying bodily imbalances and guiding appropriate treatment.

72) Samudra:
[see source text or glossary: Samudra]

73) Asadhya:
Asadhya designates conditions that are difficult or impossible to treat. Ayurvedic texts classify diseases based on their prognosis, helping practitioners to identify which conditions are Asadhya (incurable) and manage them accordingly.

74) Vriddhi (Vrddhi):
Vriddhi refers to the abnormal increase or excessive development of bodily tissues or Doshas. It is a critical factor in diagnosing certain diseases, where disproportionate growth indicates underlying pathology that needs treatment.

75) Ghrita (Ghrta):
Ghrita, referring to clarified butter or ghee, is extensively used in Ayurvedic medicine. Its therapeutic properties make it a key ingredient in various formulations, beneficial for digestion, enhancing Ojas (vital energy), and promoting longevity.

[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 263]

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