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== Definition of shastra ==

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Tarkabhasha defines shastra as a treatise or science which gives proper knowledge of pravritti (things to be followed) and nivrutti (things to be avoided).<ref name="ref6">Tattvaloka commentary on Tarkabhasha, Rudradhara jha, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Series, Varanasi, 1958 Page No.4 </ref> Dalhana has also enumerated a few definitions of shastra as given below: [Dalhana on Su.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra. Sthana]] 4/8]

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Tarkabhasha defines shastra as a treatise or science which gives proper [[Dnyana|knowledge]] of pravritti (things to be followed) and nivrutti (things to be avoided).<ref name="ref6">Tattvaloka commentary on Tarkabhasha, Rudradhara jha, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Series, Varanasi, 1958 Page No.4 </ref> Dalhana has also enumerated a few definitions of shastra as given below: [Dalhana on Su.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra. Sthana]] 4/8]

<ol type="a"><li style="font-weight: bold;">Rogan shaasati iti : Aid in or leads to the elimination of [[Vyadhi|roga (diseases)]]</li>

<li style="font-weight: bold;">Aarogya danena dharmartha kamadinam shaasanat va shastra: One which renders [[Health|health]] and helps in achieving the dharma (righteousness), artha (wealth), kama (desires) is termed as ‘shastra’. </li>

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== Synonyms ==

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[[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]], shakha, vidya, sutra, vidya, lakshana, tantra (Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].30/31) (Chakrapani on Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].30/19), [[Veda|veda]] ([[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]] is also termed as upaveda of Atharvaveda) (Su. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].1, Dalhana on Su.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].1/16, Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].30/21) The term “Tantra” is applied to shastra. Shalya tantra (surgery) is referred to as shastra. (Su.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].1/22). Chikitsa (medicine) is also referred to as shastra. (Dalhana on Su.Sa.Uttar Tantra.65/1)

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[[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]], shakha, vidya, sutra, vidya, [[Lakshana|lakshana]], tantra (Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].30/31) (Chakrapani on Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].30/19), [[Veda|veda]] ([[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]] is also termed as upaveda of Atharvaveda) (Su. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].1, Dalhana on Su.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].1/16, Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].30/21) The term “Tantra” is applied to shastra. Shalya tantra (surgery) is referred to as shastra. (Su.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].1/22). Chikitsa (medicine) is also referred to as shastra. (Dalhana on Su.Sa.Uttar Tantra.65/1)

== Importance of the concept of shastra ==

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<ul style='text-align:justify;'><li>Scientific scriptures provide light for illumination (to remove the darkness of ignorance or to know things), and one’s intellect is like eyes. The physician who uses both scientific knowledge and intelligence does not commit mistakes during treatment. Hence, the physician should make all efforts to enrich his knowledge. (Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].9/24-25) </li>

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<ul style='text-align:justify;'><li>Scientific scriptures provide light for illumination (to remove the darkness of ignorance or to know things), and one’s intellect is like eyes. The physician who uses both scientific [[Dnyana|knowledge]] and intelligence does not commit mistakes during treatment. Hence, the physician should make all efforts to enrich his [[Dnyana|knowledge]]. (Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].9/24-25) </li>

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<li>Bhaishajya ratnavali states that the vaidya who renders treatment without considering the teachings or learnings of shastra should be considered as ‘Yama’ or one responsible for the patient's death.<ref name="ref7">Govinddas Sen, Bhishajya Ratnavali , Ayurvedavatarana, 1/59, Part 1 , first edition 2005 , Chaukhambha Sanskri Pratishthan , Varanasi , Page No. 9 </ref></li>

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<li>Bhaishajya ratnavali states that the [[Vaidya|vaidya]] who renders treatment without considering the teachings or learnings of shastra should be considered as ‘Yama’ or one responsible for the patient's death.<ref name="ref7">Govinddas Sen, Bhishajya Ratnavali , Ayurvedavatarana, 1/59, Part 1 , first edition 2005 , Chaukhambha Sanskri Pratishthan , Varanasi , Page No. 9 </ref></li>

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<li>It is important to be well versed in different sciences to have command or definite knowledge regarding any particular topic. A clinician should thus have proper knowledge of different shastra or contemporary sciences. [Su. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].4/7] </li>

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<li>It is important to be well versed in different sciences to have command or definite [[Dnyana|knowledge]] regarding any particular topic. A clinician should thus have proper [[Dnyana|knowledge]] of different shastra or contemporary sciences. [Su. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].4/7] </li>

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<li>Sushruta mentions that one who knows theory only without practical aspects of science cannot efficiently treat the patients (kevala shastradnya). The one who practices science without understanding the theory or basic knowledge behind any phenomenon does not get validation from society and authority (kevala karmagnya).[Su.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].3/48-49] Both individuals are considered incompetent due to their incomplete practical/theoretical knowledge. These individuals are termed as “ardhavedadhara” similar to the bird having single wing. (Su.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].4/50) </li>

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<li>Sushruta mentions that one who knows theory only without practical aspects of science cannot efficiently treat the patients (kevala shastradnya). The one who practices science without understanding the theory or basic [[Dnyana|knowledge]] behind any phenomenon does not get validation from society and authority (kevala karmagnya).[Su.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].3/48-49] Both individuals are considered incompetent due to their incomplete practical/theoretical [[Dnyana|knowledge]]. These individuals are termed as “ardhavedadhara” similar to the bird having single wing. (Su.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].4/50) </li>

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<li>Sushruta also mentions that one can only be termed as vaidya if he has learned the shastra from a Guru in its entirety. It should be learned directly from the teacher (guru mukhodgeerna), inculcated the principles through self-study and hard work (upasya), and repeatedly listened to or going through the teachings of the Guru (asakruta). Those who have not acquired knowledge through the above-mentioned means should be termed as taskara (quack). (Su.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].4/8) </li>

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<li>Sushruta also mentions that one can only be termed as [[Vaidya|vaidya]] if he has learned the shastra from a Guru in its entirety. It should be learned directly from the teacher (guru mukhodgeerna), inculcated the principles through self-study and hard work (upasya), and repeatedly listened to or going through the teachings of the Guru (asakruta). Those who have not acquired [[Dnyana|knowledge]] through the above-mentioned means should be termed as taskara (quack). (Su.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].4/8) </li>

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<li>Sushruta also states that aushadhi or medicines are like shastra (weapons), ashani (lightening), visha (poison). Hence it must not be prescribed by unqualified or incompetent individuals. (Su.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].3/51) One who is trained in both aspects can efficiently render [[Health|health]] to the patients, similar to a chariot with two wheels on a battle field. (Su.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].3/54). The proper practice and practical utility of teachings in the science is encouraged as a science learnt without the application of same leads to mere hard work just as a donkey carrying sandalwood feels only the load and is not aware of the value of the load. An unintelligent and foolish person with theoretical knowledge of various topics but unaware of actual contents and importance possess them just like a donkey. (Su.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].4/4) Thus, knowledge broadens and widens when one compliments the pratyaksha dnyana (practical knowledge) with shastra dnyana (knowledge of texts). Hence, one should observe patients' physical and anatomical characteristics to make an accurate diagnosis. (Su.Sa. Shareera Sthana.5/48,51) </li>

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<li>Sushruta also states that aushadhi or medicines are like shastra (weapons), ashani (lightening), visha (poison). Hence it must not be prescribed by unqualified or incompetent individuals. (Su.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].3/51) One who is trained in both aspects can efficiently render [[Health|health]] to the patients, similar to a chariot with two wheels on a battle field. (Su.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].3/54). The proper practice and practical utility of teachings in the science is encouraged as a science learnt without the application of same leads to mere hard work just as a donkey carrying sandalwood feels only the load and is not aware of the value of the load. An unintelligent and foolish person with theoretical [[Dnyana|knowledge]] of various topics but unaware of actual contents and importance possess them just like a donkey. (Su.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].4/4) Thus, [[Dnyana|knowledge]] broadens and widens when one compliments the pratyaksha [[Dnyana|dnyana]] (practical [[Dnyana|knowledge]]) with shastra [[Dnyana|dnyana]] ([[Dnyana|knowledge]] of texts). Hence, one should observe patients' physical and anatomical characteristics to make an accurate diagnosis. (Su.Sa. Shareera Sthana.5/48,51) </li>

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<li>Charaka has also stated a few examples to underline the disadvantages of incomplete knowledge of physicians, like a flight of a flock of birds on sensing the signs of danger (Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].30/72-73). Hence, eight types of questions should be asked to assess the knowledge of such individuals. These include the aspects of tantra and tantra-artha related with shastra pariksha. One who is well versed with '~~dnyana’~~ as stated in the text can efficiently treat the patient by understanding the patient's psyche. (Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana .4/12). Thus those having insufficient knowledge of shastra should always be avoided by wise persons as they represent the Yama (lord of death) itself. (A.H.Uttara Tantra 40/76)</li>

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<li>Charaka has also stated a few examples to underline the disadvantages of incomplete [[Dnyana|knowledge]] of physicians, like a flight of a flock of birds on sensing the signs of danger (Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].30/72-73). Hence, eight types of questions should be asked to assess the [[Dnyana|knowledge]] of such individuals. These include the aspects of tantra and tantra-artha related with shastra pariksha. One who is well versed with '[[Dnyana|dnyana]]’ as stated in the text can efficiently treat the patient by understanding the patient's psyche. (Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana .4/12). Thus those having insufficient [[Dnyana|knowledge]] of shastra should always be avoided by wise persons as they represent the Yama (lord of death) itself. (A.H.Uttara Tantra 40/76)</li>

<li>Tarka (logic) based on shastra is mentioned in best practices. (Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].25/40) </li>

<li>While explaining the methods of scientific discussion (vadamarga), it is clearly stated that one should discuss based on shastra. (Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana .8/67)</li>

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<li>Preached by learned sages or experienced persons (arsham) </li>

<li>Well presented in the form of discussions-conclusions (supranita sutra bhashya sangraha krama) </li>

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<li>Well established, having a firm base of knowledge (swadharam) </li>

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<li>Well established, having a firm base of [[Dnyana|knowledge]] (swadharam) </li>

<li>Devoid of inappropriate words or derogatory language (anavapatita shabda) </li>

<li>Devoid of jargons and complicated language (akashta shabda) </li>

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<li>Easy to grasp and understand (ashuprabodhaka) </li>

<li>Exemplary (lakshanvat udaharanavat) </li></ol>

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The shastra with the presence of such characteristics should only be considered for the purpose of the study. The knowledge obtained from such shastra is considered to be enlightening. It helps to eliminate the darkness in the form of ignorance or lack of knowledge.

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The shastra with the presence of such characteristics should only be considered for the purpose of the study. The [[Dnyana|knowledge]] obtained from such shastra is considered to be enlightening. It helps to eliminate the darkness in the form of ignorance or lack of [[Dnyana|knowledge]].

== Knowledge of shastra as an important quality of physician ==

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The knowledge of shastra is an important quality of physician. The terms used to denote this importance touch the aspects of pedagogy especially the cognitive and psychomotor domain. Knowledge is considered to be the most prominent characteristic of any physician as per the contemporary medical sciences.<ref name="ref8">Khawar A, Frederiks F, Nasori M, et al. What are the characteristics of excellent physicians and residents in the clinical workplace? A systematic review. BMJ Open. 2022;12(9):e065333. Published 2022 Sep 20. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065333 </ref> The elaboration of knowledge of shastra as an important quality of physician is mentioned as given in the table below-

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The [[Dnyana|knowledge]] of shastra is an important quality of physician. The terms used to denote this importance touch the aspects of pedagogy especially the cognitive and psychomotor domain. [[Dnyana|Knowledge]] is considered to be the most prominent characteristic of any physician as per the contemporary medical sciences.<ref name="ref8">Khawar A, Frederiks F, Nasori M, et al. What are the characteristics of excellent physicians and residents in the clinical workplace? A systematic review. BMJ Open. 2022;12(9):e065333. Published 2022 Sep 20. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065333 </ref> The elaboration of [[Dnyana|knowledge]] of shastra as an important quality of physician is mentioned as given in the table below-

{| class="wikitable"

! Sr. No

−

! Quality of vaidya

+

! Quality of [[Vaidya|vaidya]]

! Reference

! Elaboration in the commentary and meaning

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| Shrutam

| Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 9/6

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| Possessing authentic knowledge , well read

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| Possessing authentic [[Dnyana|knowledge]], well read

|-

|style="text-align:center;" | 2.

| Paryavadatatvam

| Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 9/6

−

| Vishuddha dnyana (pure knowledge) due to guru-shastra seva (serving both the teacher and science)

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| Vishuddha [[Dnyana|dnyana]] (pure [[Dnyana|knowledge]]) due to guru-shastra seva (serving both the teacher and science)

|-

|style="text-align:center;" | 3.

| Tattvaadhigata Shastraartha

| Su.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 34/19-20

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| Having knowledge of topics and principles mentioned in the text.

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| Having [[Dnyana|knowledge]] of topics and principles mentioned in the text.

|-

|style="text-align:center;" | 4.

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| Shastra artha vidnyana

| Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 9

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| Mentioned as an important quality of pranabhisar vaidya (life saviour physician)

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| Mentioned as an important quality of pranabhisar [[Vaidya|vaidya]] (life saviour physician)

|-

|style="text-align:center;" | 6.

| Shastradnya/ shastrayuktidnya

| Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 29/7

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| Shastrayukti means shastrayojana or having applied knowledge of the subject. This is also mentioned as quality of pranabhisar vaidya.

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| Shastrayukti means shastrayojana or having applied [[Dnyana|knowledge]] of the subject. This is also mentioned as quality of pranabhisar [[Vaidya|vaidya]].

|-

|style="text-align:center;" | 7.

| Vidnyana

| Chakrapani on Cha.[[Sutra Sthana|Sa.Sutra Sthana]] 9/21

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| Shastrantara dnyana- having knowledge of allied texts or sciences

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| Shastrantara [[Dnyana|dnyana]]- having [[Dnyana|knowledge]] of allied texts or sciences

|-

|style="text-align:center;" | 8.

| Shastravida

| Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 29/13

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| One having the knowledge of shastra through proper assessment of texts

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| One having the [[Dnyana|knowledge]] of shastra through proper assessment of texts

|-

|style="text-align:center;" | 9.

| Shastradnya

| Dalhana on Su.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 3/51

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| One having knowledge of shastra

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| One having [[Dnyana|knowledge]] of shastra

|-

|style="text-align:center;" | 10.

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| Tirtharttashastrartha

| A.S.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 2/17 A.H.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 1/28

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| Has received the knowledge of shastra through proper training from the guru (teacher)

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| Has received the [[Dnyana|knowledge]] of shastra through proper training from the guru (teacher)

|-

|}

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Chakrapani has briefly mentioned this concept in the commentary on the first verse of Charaka Samhita. (Chakrapani on Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].1/1). The abhidheya can be explained as the main topic of discussion, for example, in hita or ahita ayu. (beneficial or non-beneficial life)

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Prayojana is main goal or aim the science is directed towards for instance dhatusamya while sambandha is the connection between the terms. Adhikari refers to man or individual proficient in the shastra, physician or vaidya. He further states that abhidheya and prayojana are essential for the pravritti or implementation of shastra. Unless one is aware about the ultimate goal of understanding shastra one cannot implement the principles of shastra. </li>

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Prayojana is main goal or aim the science is directed towards for instance dhatusamya while sambandha is the connection between the terms. Adhikari refers to man or individual proficient in the shastra, physician or [[Vaidya|vaidya]]. He further states that abhidheya and prayojana are essential for the pravritti or implementation of shastra. Unless one is aware about the ultimate goal of understanding shastra one cannot implement the principles of shastra. </li>

<li style="font-weight: bold;">Vakyashaha- vakya-arthashaha, artha-avayavashah [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].30/19] (method of learning of text) This refers to “read the quotation first” and then meaning, interpretation and explanation of the different verses and concepts given in the text. </li>

<li style="font-weight: bold;">Pada- padam- shlokam [Su.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 3/54] (study of each part of text) Sushruta mentions this method to understand the verses mentioned in the text correctly. This is an essential aspect of learning the [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]] texts as it is majorly presented in the poetry form. This methodology helps to properly understand the meaning of every term mentioned in the text.</li>

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== Inclusivity of [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]] as a shastra- sarvaparishadam shastra ==

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Ayurveda is considered sarvaparishadam or knowledge base/ connection with different contemporary sciences. It is inclusive of related principles mentioned in other sciences. For instance, [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]] has imbibed the principles of Sankhya and Vaisheshika darshana for understanding different concepts of srishti utpatti (evolution of universe), pramana (epistemology) etc. [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].8/3]. Sushruta also states that one should refer to related or contemporary sciences as an individual can't understand the critical aspects of every science. Hence it is necessary to have ample knowledge regarding other sciences.(Su.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].4/6). While mentioning the classification of [[Vyadhi|diseases]], Sushruta has rightfully described the term “Sarvatantrasamanya” to state the inclusivity of [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]]. (Su.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 24/4) Charaka suggests that varied shastra persist worldwide. Hence one should properly examine any shastra before proceeding with the treatment process. (Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/3) Dalhana has also mentioned other shastra like vyakarana, sankhya, vaisheshika, and jyotish (astrology) as contemporary to [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]] and necessary for a proper understanding of [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]]. The related contemporary shastra to [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]] can be enlisted as given below-

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Ayurveda is considered sarvaparishadam or [[Dnyana|knowledge]] base/ connection with different contemporary sciences. It is inclusive of related principles mentioned in other sciences. For instance, [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]] has imbibed the principles of Sankhya and Vaisheshika darshana for understanding different concepts of srishti utpatti (evolution of universe), pramana (epistemology) etc. [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].8/3]. Sushruta also states that one should refer to related or contemporary sciences as an individual can't understand the critical aspects of every science. Hence it is necessary to have ample [[Dnyana|knowledge]] regarding other sciences.(Su.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].4/6). While mentioning the classification of [[Vyadhi|diseases]], Sushruta has rightfully described the term “Sarvatantrasamanya” to state the inclusivity of [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]]. (Su.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 24/4) Charaka suggests that varied shastra persist worldwide. Hence one should properly examine any shastra before proceeding with the treatment process. (Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/3) Dalhana has also mentioned other shastra like vyakarana, sankhya, vaisheshika, and jyotish (astrology) as contemporary to [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]] and necessary for a proper understanding of [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]]. The related contemporary shastra to [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]] can be enlisted as given below-

{| class="wikitable"

! Branch of science

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|-

| Vedanta

−

| Spiritual, knowledge of ultimate factor

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| Spiritual, [[Dnyana|knowledge]] of ultimate factor

| Atma, moksha

|-

| Sudashastra

| Cooking, culinary practices

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| Cooking, dietetics, knowledge of recipes in text.

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| Cooking, dietetics, [[Dnyana|knowledge]] of recipes in text.

|-

| Kamasutra / Kamashastra

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== Current understanding of medical science ==

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The term science is defined as knowledge or a system of knowledge covering general truths or the operation of general laws especially as obtained and tested through scientific methods.<ref name="ref10">“Science.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/science. Accessed 20 Mar. 2023. </ref> It can be observed that this definition of science is similar to the concept of shastra as mentioned in the ancient [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]] texts. The history of current medical science is quite vast and finds its origins in Egyptian medicine (around 3000 BC) and Greek medical sciences where the medicine was practiced and preached traditionally<ref name="ref11">Koutsouris, D. The evolution of medical care: from the beginnings to personalized medicine. Health Technol. 7, 3–4 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12553-016-0163-1 </ref>. Hippocrates is considered as the father of modern medicine (around 450 BC). The surgical practices evolved during the medieval period. However the mainstreaming of the formal eduction related to medicine started around 12th- 13th century in Italy. Advancement in research related to genetics, radiology, introduction of the germ theory of disease leading to invention of antibiotics are considered to be the landmarks of modern medicine. The contemporary medical science is largely evidence based facilitating the introduction of modern technologies and advancements both surgical and medicinal fields.<ref name="ref12">History of Medicine - Invention, Prehistoric, Traditional and Modern [Internet]. [cited 2023 Mar 20]. Available from: https://www.vedantu.com/biology/history-of-medicine </ref> The timeline of medical history depicts the revolutionary changes from the 9th century onwards itself.<ref name="ref13">Hajar R. History of medicine timeline. Heart Views. 2015;16(1):43-45. doi:10.4103/1995-705x.153008 </ref> The term science denotes the way of thinking used to develop explanations of natural phenomena using evidence and logic. Authentic science is the term coined to distinguish and separate the scientific ways of thinking from classroom science activities that do not, in fact, reflect the spirit and behavior of science.<ref name="ref14">Crawford, B. (2015). Authentic Science. In: Gunstone, R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Science Education. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-2150-0_144 </ref> The science develops from theories which can be inductive or deductive leading to establishment of new concepts. As mentioned earlier the current medical science is largely evidence based which involves the conscientious, explicit, judicious and reasonable use of modern, best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients.<ref name="ref15">Masic I, Miokovic M, Muhamedagic B. Evidence based medicine - new approaches and challenges. Acta Inform Med. 2008;16(4):219-225. doi:10.5455/aim.2008.16.219-225</ref> It involves the clinical based practice based on the available and updated information. Earlier the medical science was largely based on previously established theories, which seldom paved way for empirical and personalised medicine. However the evidence based medicine facilitates the personalised or individualised approach to the practice of medicine. [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]] on the other hand has always focused on the individualised and personalised approach based on the doshika constitution, prakriti etc. of the individual. [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]] as a science was preached through the generations in form of poetry, which contemplated into written form as Samhita or classical texts. Thus, the shastra of [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]] is ancient, yet based on various basic principles which find their relevance even in day to day practices. [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]] is based on the fundamental principles, that can be assessed on scientific grounds to prove their validity in todays era.

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The term science is defined as [[Dnyana|knowledge]] or a system of [[Dnyana|knowledge]] covering general truths or the operation of general laws especially as obtained and tested through scientific methods.<ref name="ref10">“Science.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/science. Accessed 20 Mar. 2023. </ref> It can be observed that this definition of science is similar to the concept of shastra as mentioned in the ancient [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]] texts. The history of current medical science is quite vast and finds its origins in Egyptian medicine (around 3000 BC) and Greek medical sciences where the medicine was practiced and preached traditionally<ref name="ref11">Koutsouris, D. The evolution of medical care: from the beginnings to personalized medicine. Health Technol. 7, 3–4 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12553-016-0163-1 </ref>. Hippocrates is considered as the father of modern medicine (around 450 BC). The surgical practices evolved during the medieval period. However the mainstreaming of the formal eduction related to medicine started around 12th- 13th century in Italy. Advancement in research related to genetics, radiology, introduction of the germ theory of disease leading to invention of antibiotics are considered to be the landmarks of modern medicine. The contemporary medical science is largely evidence based facilitating the introduction of modern technologies and advancements both surgical and medicinal fields.<ref name="ref12">History of Medicine - Invention, Prehistoric, Traditional and Modern [Internet]. [cited 2023 Mar 20]. Available from: https://www.vedantu.com/biology/history-of-medicine </ref> The timeline of medical history depicts the revolutionary changes from the 9th century onwards itself.<ref name="ref13">Hajar R. History of medicine timeline. Heart Views. 2015;16(1):43-45. doi:10.4103/1995-705x.153008 </ref> The term science denotes the way of thinking used to develop explanations of natural phenomena using evidence and logic. Authentic science is the term coined to distinguish and separate the scientific ways of thinking from classroom science activities that do not, in fact, reflect the spirit and behavior of science.<ref name="ref14">Crawford, B. (2015). Authentic Science. In: Gunstone, R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Science Education. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-2150-0_144 </ref> The science develops from theories which can be inductive or deductive leading to establishment of new concepts. As mentioned earlier the current medical science is largely evidence based which involves the conscientious, explicit, judicious and reasonable use of modern, best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients.<ref name="ref15">Masic I, Miokovic M, Muhamedagic B. Evidence based medicine - new approaches and challenges. Acta Inform Med. 2008;16(4):219-225. doi:10.5455/aim.2008.16.219-225</ref> It involves the clinical based practice based on the available and updated information. Earlier the medical science was largely based on previously established theories, which seldom paved way for empirical and personalised medicine. However the evidence based medicine facilitates the personalised or individualised approach to the practice of medicine. [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]] on the other hand has always focused on the individualised and personalised approach based on the doshika constitution, prakriti etc. of the individual. [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]] as a science was preached through the generations in form of poetry, which contemplated into written form as Samhita or classical texts. Thus, the shastra of [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]] is ancient, yet based on various basic principles which find their relevance even in day to day practices. [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]] is based on the fundamental principles, that can be assessed on scientific grounds to prove their validity in todays era.

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