− | <div style="text-align:justify;">This chapter, the first within the annapana chatushka (tetrad of guidelines on food and beverages), is based on the findings of a congregation of ancient Ayurveda practitioners and sages, assembled to understand the origin of Purusha (conscious/sentient being) and causes of diseases that afflict the purusha. Different theories to understand various aspects that influence the purusha are postulated, such as those of atma (spirit), mana (mind), rasa (nutrient fluid), shad dhatu (six elements), matru-pitru(parents), karma (past deeds), swabhava (nature), Prajapati (creator), and Kala (time). After considering all these postulations, it is concluded that the same factors that are responsible for the origin of humans are responsible for diseases too. The wholesome diet is responsible for proper growth and development of holistic human being, while the unwholesome diet for diseases. The most commonly applicable wholesome (and unwholesome) diet is discussed with examples. A specific collection called agrya samgraha (collection of definitive and first choice of medication or treatment) is introduced. In all, one hundred fifty-six drugs and therapies have been enumerated in this chapter. Also ingredients used in 84 naturally fermented preparations named ‘asava’ that help in strengthening the patient’s mind, body and digestive power (agni) are listed. </div> | + | <div style="text-align:justify;">This chapter, the first within the annapana chatushka (tetrad of guidelines on food and beverages), is based on the findings of a congregation of ancient [[Ayurveda]] practitioners and sages, assembled to understand the origin of Purusha (conscious/sentient being) and causes of diseases that afflict the purusha. Different theories to understand various aspects that influence the purusha are postulated, such as those of atma (spirit), mana (mind), rasa (nutrient fluid), shad dhatu (six elements), matru-pitru(parents), karma (past deeds), swabhava (nature), Prajapati (creator), and Kala (time). After considering all these postulations, it is concluded that the same factors that are responsible for the origin of humans are responsible for diseases too. The wholesome diet is responsible for proper growth and development of holistic human being, while the unwholesome diet for diseases. The most commonly applicable wholesome (and unwholesome) diet is discussed with examples. A specific collection called agrya samgraha (collection of definitive and first choice of medication or treatment) is introduced. In all, one hundred fifty-six drugs and therapies have been enumerated in this chapter. Also ingredients used in 84 naturally fermented preparations named ‘asava’ that help in strengthening the patient’s mind, body and digestive power (agni) are listed. </div> |
| '''Keywords''': ''Purusha'' (conscious beings – humans, souls, etc.), ''agrya samgraha'' (foremost collection/formulation/medication applicable), ''hitakara, ahitakara,'' wholesome, unwholesome, ''asava'' (alcoholic preparations). | | '''Keywords''': ''Purusha'' (conscious beings – humans, souls, etc.), ''agrya samgraha'' (foremost collection/formulation/medication applicable), ''hitakara, ahitakara,'' wholesome, unwholesome, ''asava'' (alcoholic preparations). |