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 Vimana Sthana (Specific Principles of Quantification), the third section within Charak Samhita, is about quantification of vitiation of dosha and other specific factors responsible for causing disease or impairs health of an individual. It also describes dietary regulations, causes of epidemics, basic body systems, acquiring knowledge of disease and patient, and medical education. Further, this section describes the qualities of an ideal teacher, a medical student and how to acquire medical knowledge. In this regard, means to evaluate a medical treatise and ways to enhance medical knowledge by organizing and attending medical conferences, group discussions and debates are described in detail. It covers diverse fields like personal health, diet guidelines, social health, medical education, patient examination, etc. This treatise is not just a fascinating source of ancient medical practices; it may also be a helpful source of information on the ecological, social, and economic elements of ancient India.

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.