The [[Charak Samhita]] begins with a chapter detailing the means to attaining a long, healthy and happy life, explaining certain basic tenets of [[Ayurveda]] and the consequent foundational concepts necessary to build a body of knowledge. This chapter provides a description of the origin, definition, and scope of [[Ayurveda]]. It further deliberates on the critical concepts of ''Ayu'' (life) and its qualitative dimensions, and ''arogya'' (health) as a means of achieving the four fundamental instincts (virtue, wealth, gratification and emancipation) of life on this earth. | The [[Charak Samhita]] begins with a chapter detailing the means to attaining a long, healthy and happy life, explaining certain basic tenets of [[Ayurveda]] and the consequent foundational concepts necessary to build a body of knowledge. This chapter provides a description of the origin, definition, and scope of [[Ayurveda]]. It further deliberates on the critical concepts of ''Ayu'' (life) and its qualitative dimensions, and ''arogya'' (health) as a means of achieving the four fundamental instincts (virtue, wealth, gratification and emancipation) of life on this earth. |