The Sutra Sthana (Fundamental Principles of Ayurveda) of Charaka Samhita in English Translatgion (Section 1)

Description

About the Book

The Charak Samhita is an ancient and authentic ayurvedic text written by Maharishi Agnivesha, which is later revised by Maharishi Charak and edited by Acharya Dridhabala. This system of Ayurveda was taught by Maharishi Atreya. In this treatise, 121 chapters are organized into eight sections or ashtanga sthanas— Sutra, Nidana, Vimana, Sarira, Endriya, Chikitsa, Kalpa, and Siddha. Further, 17 chapters were added in the Charaka Samhita by Dridhabala. This treatise is not just a fascinating source of ancient medical practices but it may also be a helpful source of information on the ecological, social, and economic elements of ancient India.
The first section The Sutra Sthana (Fundamental Principles of Ayurveda) deals with the fundamental principles of Ayurveda which lays the foundation for the whole Samhita by describing the basic principles. Besides the fundamental principles, this section also establishes various technical terms that are used in subsequent sections of the Samhita. This helps in providing a base not only for Ayurveda practitioners, but also for teachers, researchers, and scholars. From the standpoint of its structure, the Sutra Sthana consists of thirty chapters, grouped into eight logical contexts. The first seven is a group of four chapters (Chatushkas), while the last one is a group of two chapters (Sangrahadvaya.

About the Author

Acharya Charak, born around 300 BC, was a key contributor to the science of traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda) and lifestyle philosophy that was developed in Ancient India. He is well known as the editor of the medical treatise “Charaka Samhita”, one of the basic books of traditional Indian medicine and Ayurveda. He placed a specific focus on illness diagnosis and regarded Ayurveda as a holistic system of health care that addressed both preventative and curative elements.
A.P. Mishra, a young and dynamic scholar of philosophy, is doing research in Patna University. Mr. Mishra has written many research papers in national and international journal which undoubtedly prove his efficiency and knowledge in the field of oriental studies. Presently, he is teaching philosophy in A.S. College, Deoghar, Jharkhand.