Introduction to Ayurveda
From the day one of the existence of life on earth, Ayurveda exists. Many alternative healing sciences in the world may be as ancient as that of Ayurveda, however Ayurveda is based upon various important philosophies and it has got its own well described treatise which consists of Philosophy, Fundamentals, Description of Anatomy-Physiology, Diseases & their pathophysiology and their treatment, etc.
Veda the first written text on earth is the Source of Knowledge. There are four Vedas described, Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda. Ayurveda is formed out of these Vedas and considered as fifth Veda of subordinate to these four Vedas.
Hence Ayurveda is the Science in which from Birth to Death everything is mentioned or in short, it is the Science of Life that elaborates in detail and explain about the Birth, Right duties & activities, Daily routine, Seasonal routine, Nutrition for Healthy & non Healthy, Diseases - Treatment, Mind and its healthiness, Rejuvenation, so on.
Ayurveda is a Philosophy and Lifestyle based on Four Principles of Life.
- Dharma - That which carries (virtue) i.e. doing righteous things, which are conductive to wellbeing of the individual and this society.
- Artha - Wealth, gathering of the means of livelihood by following Dharma.
- Kama - Enjoyment, Satisfaction of mundane desires, passion by following Dharma.
- Moksha - Attainment of salvation through liberation and God consciousness.
Caraka, the author of the most ancient authentic Ayurvedic text Carak Samhita, defines, " Science through the help of which one can obtain knowledge about the Useful & harmful types of life, Happy & Miserable types of life, things which are useful & harmful for such types of life, the Span of life and the very nature of life."
He also says, " The science of life shall never attain finality. Therefore, humility and relentless hard work should characterise your every endeavour and approach to knowledge. The entire world consists of teachers for the wise and enemies for the fools. Therefore knowledge conducive to health, longevity, fame and excellence coming even from an unfamiliar source should be received, assimilated and utilised with earnestness."
These words of wisdom should continue to guide the practitioners of Ayurveda as well as modern conventional Medicine practitioners, to help betterment of mankind.
Hence the Science that helps to understand about Life and to maintain & increase lifespan is called as Ayurveda. Basic concern and aim of this science is to maintain the health of healthy person and offer treatment for diseased person. The person who is healthy can only achieve four principles of life.
Basic Principles of Ayurveda