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This introductory chapter describes many basic principles of science and knowlege of life. It starts with the origin of knowledge and its transfer leading to description of various aspects of holistic humant being, the external environment and healthcare system.   

 

This introductory chapter describes basic principles of science and knowledge of life. It starts with the origin of knowledge and its transfer leading to description of various aspects of holistic human being, the external environment and healthcare system.   

The title of [[Charak Samhita]]’s the very first chapter, [[Deerghanjiviteeya Adhyaya]], literally means the chapter on longevity.  This is symbolic, because it implies that [[Ayurveda]] is not merely the science of life, but also a science of longevity. This chapter deliberates on the purpose of long life and health as the means of achieving the four primary instincts of human beings (purushartha chatustaya). These are virtue ([[dharma]]), wealth([[artha]]), gratification([[kama]]) and emancipation([[moksha]]). Some of the basic tenets of [[Ayurveda]] and its scope are explained. The chapter introduces fundamental principles of [[Ayurveda]], including its definition, objective, concept of three [[sharira]] (bodily) [[dosha]] and their qualities, and two [[manasa]] (mental) [[dosha]] and their treatment. The theory of similarity ([[samanya]]) and dissimilarity ([[vishesha]]), pharmaco-therapeutic aspects, classification of drugs, list of herbs and other animal products useful in purification and pacification therapies are highlighted. Through these deliberations, this chapter essentially lays the foundation for building the body of knowledge on life sciences and healthcare that [[Charak Samhita]] is known for.

The title of [[Charak Samhita]]’s the very first chapter, [[Deerghanjiviteeya Adhyaya]], literally means the chapter on longevity.  This is symbolic, because it implies that [[Ayurveda]] is not merely the science of life, but also a science of longevity. This chapter deliberates on the purpose of long life and health as the means of achieving the four primary instincts of human beings (purushartha chatustaya). These are virtue ([[dharma]]), wealth([[artha]]), gratification([[kama]]) and emancipation([[moksha]]). Some of the basic tenets of [[Ayurveda]] and its scope are explained. The chapter introduces fundamental principles of [[Ayurveda]], including its definition, objective, concept of three [[sharira]] (bodily) [[dosha]] and their qualities, and two [[manasa]] (mental) [[dosha]] and their treatment. The theory of similarity ([[samanya]]) and dissimilarity ([[vishesha]]), pharmaco-therapeutic aspects, classification of drugs, list of herbs and other animal products useful in purification and pacification therapies are highlighted. Through these deliberations, this chapter essentially lays the foundation for building the body of knowledge on life sciences and healthcare that [[Charak Samhita]] is known for.