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=== Introduction ===

=== Introduction ===

The Ayurvedic classics, including [[Charaka Samhita]], describe eight specialties of Ayurveda which were in vogue and practiced during the vedic period denoting that Ayurveda was already a highly evolved system of medicine with professional specialization. This is why Ayurveda is also called ''Ashtanga Ayurveda'' and its eight ''angas'' (or arms) are as mentioned below:

The Ayurvedic classics, including [[Charak Samhita]], describe eight specialties of Ayurveda which were in vogue and practiced during the vedic period denoting that Ayurveda was already a highly evolved system of medicine with professional specialization. This is why Ayurveda is also called ''Ashtanga Ayurveda'' and its eight ''angas'' (or arms) are as mentioned below:

#''Kayachikitsa''  -  Internal medicine

#''Kayachikitsa''  -  Internal medicine

#''Shalya tantra''  -  Surgery

#''Shalya tantra''  -  Surgery

#At the level of ''srotas'' acting as ''srotoprasadana'' promoting the microcirculation and tissue perfusion. The net effect of all the three levels of action is an improved nutrition.

#At the level of ''srotas'' acting as ''srotoprasadana'' promoting the microcirculation and tissue perfusion. The net effect of all the three levels of action is an improved nutrition.

The division of this chapter into four ''padas'' (parts) reflects an interesting style of classic writing simulating the style of the ''Yoga Sutras'' of Patanjali aiming to emphasize the continuum of the deliberations which could be fragmented in the chapterization style. The tendency of ''pada'' style can also be visualized in the [[Sutra Sthana]] of [[Charaka Samhita]] where all the thirty chapters have been systematically clubbed in seven ''chatushkas'' i.e. four chapters clubbed in one ''chatuska'' containing allied subject matter. Thus, ''Rasayanadhyaya'' (this chapter) is of great significance both from literary as well as from the subject matter point of view.

The division of this chapter into four ''padas'' (parts) reflects an interesting style of classic writing simulating the style of the ''Yoga Sutras'' of Patanjali aiming to emphasize the continuum of the deliberations which could be fragmented in the chapterization style. The tendency of ''pada'' style can also be visualized in the [[Sutra Sthana]] of [[Charak Samhita]] where all the thirty chapters have been systematically clubbed in seven ''chatushkas'' i.e. four chapters clubbed in one ''chatuska'' containing allied subject matter. Thus, ''Rasayanadhyaya'' (this chapter) is of great significance both from literary as well as from the subject matter point of view.

The first part , ''Abhayamalakiya Rasayana Pada'', begins with the path breaking statement about ''bheshaja-abheshaja'' i.e. good medicine vs bad medicine. The bad medicines are poisons while the good medicines are of two categories:

The first part , ''Abhayamalakiya Rasayana Pada'', begins with the path breaking statement about ''bheshaja-abheshaja'' i.e. good medicine vs bad medicine. The bad medicines are poisons while the good medicines are of two categories:

ityagniveshakRute tantre carakapratisaMskRute cikitsAsthAne rasAyanAdhyAye~abhayAmalakIyo nAma rasAyanapAdaH prathamaH||1||  

ityagniveshakRute tantre carakapratisaMskRute cikitsAsthAne rasAyanAdhyAye~abhayAmalakIyo nAma rasAyanapAdaH prathamaH||1||  

Thus ends the first quarter of ''haritaki, amalaka'' etc. in the chapter on ''rasayana'' in [[Chikitsa Sthana]] in the treatise composed of Agnivesha and redacted by Charaka. [1]

Thus ends the first quarter of ''haritaki, amalaka'' etc. in the chapter on ''rasayana'' in [[Chikitsa Sthana]] in the treatise composed of Agnivesha and redacted by Charak. [1]

==== Part II- ''Pranakamiyam Rasayanapadam'' ====

==== Part II- ''Pranakamiyam Rasayanapadam'' ====

ityagniveshakRute tantre carakapratisaMskRute cikitsAsthAne rasAyanAdhyAye prANakAmIyo nAma rasAyanapAdo dvitIyaH||2||

ityagniveshakRute tantre carakapratisaMskRute cikitsAsthAne rasAyanAdhyAye prANakAmIyo nAma rasAyanapAdo dvitIyaH||2||

Thus ends the second quarter on desire for vital strength in the chapter on [[Rasayana]] in [[Chikitsa Sthana]] in the treatise composed by Agnivesha and redacted by Charaka.[2]

Thus ends the second quarter on desire for vital strength in the chapter on [[Rasayana]] in [[Chikitsa Sthana]] in the treatise composed by Agnivesha and redacted by Charak.[2]

==== Part III-  ''Karaprachitiyam Rasayana Pada'' ====

==== Part III-  ''Karaprachitiyam Rasayana Pada'' ====

ityagniveshakRute tantre carakapratisaMskRute cikitsAsthAne rasAyanAdhyAye karapracitIyo nAma rasAyanapAdastRutIyaH||3||  

ityagniveshakRute tantre carakapratisaMskRute cikitsAsthAne rasAyanAdhyAye karapracitIyo nAma rasAyanapAdastRutIyaH||3||  

Thus ends the third quarter on hand plucked (''amalaki'' fruits) in the chapter on ''rasayana'' in [[Chikitsa Sthana]] in the treatise composed by Agnivesha and redacted by Charaka. [3]

Thus ends the third quarter on hand plucked (''amalaki'' fruits) in the chapter on ''rasayana'' in [[Chikitsa Sthana]] in the treatise composed by Agnivesha and redacted by Charak. [3]

==== Part IV: ''Ayurvedasamutthaniyam Rasayanapadam'' ====

==== Part IV: ''Ayurvedasamutthaniyam Rasayanapadam'' ====

samAptashcAyaM rasAyanAdhyAyaH||1||  

samAptashcAyaM rasAyanAdhyAyaH||1||  

Thus ends the fourth quarter on the rise of Ayurveda in the chapter of [[Rasayana]] in [[Chikitsa Sthana]] in the treatise composed by Agnivesha and redacted by Charaka.[4]

Thus ends the fourth quarter on the rise of Ayurveda in the chapter of [[Rasayana]] in [[Chikitsa Sthana]] in the treatise composed by Agnivesha and redacted by Charak.[4]

=== ''Tattva Vimarsha'' ===

=== ''Tattva Vimarsha'' ===

==== The order of sections ====

==== The order of sections ====

The order in which various ''sthana'' (sections) of [[Charaka Samhita]] are arranged is also significant. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] is placed after [[Indriya Sthana]]. [[Indriya Sthana]] describes the signs and symptoms which indicate certain death of a person. The treatment in such conditions results in failure. Therefore, it must be avoided. The treatment in such conditions should be continued with proper knowledge and also with due consent. After describing limitations of treatment in [[Indriya Sthana]], [[Chikitsa Sthana]] describes successful treatment of rest of conditions.

The order in which various ''sthana'' (sections) of [[Charak Samhita]] are arranged is also significant. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] is placed after [[Indriya Sthana]]. [[Indriya Sthana]] describes the signs and symptoms which indicate certain death of a person. The treatment in such conditions results in failure. Therefore, it must be avoided. The treatment in such conditions should be continued with proper knowledge and also with due consent. After describing limitations of treatment in [[Indriya Sthana]], [[Chikitsa Sthana]] describes successful treatment of rest of conditions.

==== Different levels of treatment ====

==== Different levels of treatment ====

For experts of Ayurveda, the term ''vaidya'' is used, which means one having proper knowledge. A ''vaidya'' may be of any cast, race etc. by birth, it doesn’t matter. Because it is said, that when he completes his education in Ayurveda, he is as if reborn. He is like guardian of life. Therefore, deserves respect from the society.  

For experts of Ayurveda, the term ''vaidya'' is used, which means one having proper knowledge. A ''vaidya'' may be of any cast, race etc. by birth, it doesn’t matter. Because it is said, that when he completes his education in Ayurveda, he is as if reborn. He is like guardian of life. Therefore, deserves respect from the society.  

A ''vaidya'' has to care for the patients as if they were his children or family members. A ''vaidya'', by practicing with compassion towards the ailing, earns much more than wealth. Therefore, a ''vaidya'' should not consider treatment as a business. This advice of [[Charaka Samhita]] holds true even today. Those who serve patients with this attitude, get such benefits from the society, which no other profession can get, and unmatched as compared to wealth.

A ''vaidya'' has to care for the patients as if they were his children or family members. A ''vaidya'', by practicing with compassion towards the ailing, earns much more than wealth. Therefore, a ''vaidya'' should not consider treatment as a business. This advice of [[Charak Samhita]] holds true even today. Those who serve patients with this attitude, get such benefits from the society, which no other profession can get, and unmatched as compared to wealth.

===Contemporary researches===

===Contemporary researches===

##Promoting micro circulation and tissue perfusion, at the level of ''srotas''

##Promoting micro circulation and tissue perfusion, at the level of ''srotas''

There is a need to develop an appropriate research methodology of assessment of the effect of ''rasayana'' remedies on the above mentioned three levels.

There is a need to develop an appropriate research methodology of assessment of the effect of ''rasayana'' remedies on the above mentioned three levels.

#Clinical assessment of the effect of ''rasayana'' drugs and formulations described by Charaka using appropriate biological and therapeutic parameters on clinical trial mode with emphasis on the nutritional effect, anti-aging effect and adaptogenic and immunomodulating effect of this important category of Ayurvedic drugs.

#Clinical assessment of the effect of ''rasayana'' drugs and formulations described by Charak using appropriate biological and therapeutic parameters on clinical trial mode with emphasis on the nutritional effect, anti-aging effect and adaptogenic and immunomodulating effect of this important category of Ayurvedic drugs.

#Architectural study of the concept of ''trigarbha rasayana, kuti'' described in [[Charaka Samhita]] and to examine the science behind this model for future use if found logical and scientific and for further development.

#Architectural study of the concept of ''trigarbha rasayana, kuti'' described in [[Charak Samhita]] and to examine the science behind this model for future use if found logical and scientific and for further development.

#Attempt to develop a new discipline of Ayurveda geriatrics and immunology through the ''rasayana'' leads available in the ''rasayana'' chapter of [[Charaka Samhita]].

#Attempt to develop a new discipline of Ayurveda geriatrics and immunology through the ''rasayana'' leads available in the ''rasayana'' chapter of [[Charak Samhita]].

=== Glossary ===

=== Glossary ===