Changes

[[Sutra Sthana]] Chapter 6:

==[[Sutra Sthana]] Chapter 6 (Chapter on Seasonal Regimen or Qualitative Dietetics) ==

(Chapter on seasonal regimen or qualitative dietetics)

      

      

Abstract

=== Abstract ===

Chapter Six of the Sutra Sthana, titled Tasyashitiya Adhyaya, describes the time of the year (in solistices, or kala, and seasons, or ritu and the specific regimen to be followed in these ritus. Seasonal changes influence changes in the dosha, physical strength, as well as our digestive power – and this influences every living creature, not just human beings. This chapter continues the study of dietary regimen from the preceding chapters by adding the dimension of time and seasonal variations to it.

 

Keywords:  Adana kala, lifestyle, ritu, ritucharya, satmya, visarga kala, seasonal regimen, strength in seasons.  

Chapter Six of the [[Sutra Sthana]], titled ''Tasyashiteeya Adhyaya'', describes the time of the year (in solistices, or ''kala'', and seasons, or ''ritu'' and the specific regimen to be followed in these ''ritus''. Seasonal changes influence changes in the ''dosha'', physical strength, as well as our digestive power – and this influences every living creature, not just human beings. This chapter continues the study of dietary regimen from the preceding chapters by adding the dimension of time and seasonal variations to it.

Introduction:

 

The primary objective of Ayurveda is to maintain good health. Ahara (food) is the main basis of life, which should be taken in proper quantity and quality to maintain equilibrium and to promote strength, luster and healthy long life. It has been observed that a person taking food even in proper quantity may suffer from diseases in different seasons. It implies that apart from ahara the knowledge of regimen for different seasons also plays a significant role in the maintenance of health and prevention of diseases.

'''Keywords''':  ''Adana kala'', lifestyle, ''ritu'', ''ritucharya'', ''satmya'', ''visarga kala'', seasonal regimen, strength in seasons.

=== Introduction ===

 

The primary objective of Ayurveda is to maintain good health. ''Ahara'' (food) is the main basis of life, which should be taken in proper quantity and quality to maintain equilibrium and to promote strength, luster and healthy long life. It has been observed that a person taking food even in proper quantity may suffer from diseases in different seasons. It implies that apart from ahara the knowledge of regimen for different seasons also plays a significant role in the maintenance of health and prevention of diseases.

A person who has the knowledge of appropriate food articles and activities applicable to specific seasons and also the discipline and inclination to practice them (in accordance with those seasons) stays healthy, whereas a person without the knowledge (or with limited knowledge) of wholesome regimen for different seasons or without the discipline or temperament of following these seasonal dietary practices is likely to suffer from various diseases. Seeking this objective, the chapter describes the ahara (diet) and vihara (lifestyle) to be followed in different seasons. The way we eat, exercise, rest, sleep, think, plan, carry out our routine work, and behave with others - are collectively termed ‘Lifestyle’. A year is divided into six seasons either on the basis of the position of the Sun with respect to the Earth or on the basis of purification period of dosha or on the basis of rashi (stellar constellations) or other geographical considerations such as traveling, etc. The qualities of different seasons need to be understood in three aspects viz. masa (month), rashi (stellar constellations) and svarupa (characteristic features pertaining to the season). While prescribing regimen for different seasons, importance should be given first to the appearance of svarupa in the prevailing season, then to the rashi and finally to the masa.   

A person who has the knowledge of appropriate food articles and activities applicable to specific seasons and also the discipline and inclination to practice them (in accordance with those seasons) stays healthy, whereas a person without the knowledge (or with limited knowledge) of wholesome regimen for different seasons or without the discipline or temperament of following these seasonal dietary practices is likely to suffer from various diseases. Seeking this objective, the chapter describes the ahara (diet) and vihara (lifestyle) to be followed in different seasons. The way we eat, exercise, rest, sleep, think, plan, carry out our routine work, and behave with others - are collectively termed ‘Lifestyle’. A year is divided into six seasons either on the basis of the position of the Sun with respect to the Earth or on the basis of purification period of dosha or on the basis of rashi (stellar constellations) or other geographical considerations such as traveling, etc. The qualities of different seasons need to be understood in three aspects viz. masa (month), rashi (stellar constellations) and svarupa (characteristic features pertaining to the season). While prescribing regimen for different seasons, importance should be given first to the appearance of svarupa in the prevailing season, then to the rashi and finally to the masa.   

Health is a state of dynamic equilibrium between a man and his environment. The moment this Loka-Purusha Samya gets disturbed, doshas get imbalanced to cause diseases. The basic concept of prevention and cure of diseases is based on the tridosha (collective term for vata, pitta, and kapha dosha) theory. A particular rhythmic pattern of the three dosha i.e. sanchaya (accumulation), prakopa (excitation) and prashamana (alleviation) occur in relation to six seasons, when the sun changes from one rashi to the other. Six different rasas present in our food have direct effect on three doshas. Ritusatmya or seasonal adaptation is described under ritucharya (seasonal regimen), which is the variation in ahara and vihara to balance rhythmic seasonal variations of dosha, bala, agni and rasa etc. through the concept of samanya and vishesha. Knowledge and regular observance of suitable ritucharya (ahara and vihara for different seasons) is mainly for the maintenance of health and prevention of diseases. For diseased persons ritucharya need to be modified accordingly.  

Health is a state of dynamic equilibrium between a man and his environment. The moment this Loka-Purusha Samya gets disturbed, doshas get imbalanced to cause diseases. The basic concept of prevention and cure of diseases is based on the tridosha (collective term for vata, pitta, and kapha dosha) theory. A particular rhythmic pattern of the three dosha i.e. sanchaya (accumulation), prakopa (excitation) and prashamana (alleviation) occur in relation to six seasons, when the sun changes from one rashi to the other. Six different rasas present in our food have direct effect on three doshas. Ritusatmya or seasonal adaptation is described under ritucharya (seasonal regimen), which is the variation in ahara and vihara to balance rhythmic seasonal variations of dosha, bala, agni and rasa etc. through the concept of samanya and vishesha. Knowledge and regular observance of suitable ritucharya (ahara and vihara for different seasons) is mainly for the maintenance of health and prevention of diseases. For diseased persons ritucharya need to be modified accordingly.