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This chapter, the first within the anna-pana chatushka (tetrad of guidelines on diet 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 were postulated, such as those of atma (spirit), mana (mind), rasa, shad dhatu (six elements), matru-pitru (parents), karma (past deeds), swabhava (nature), Prajapati (creator), and Kala (time). After considering all these postulations, Lord Punarvasu Atreya concluded that the same factors that are responsible for the origin of humans are responsible for diseases too. The most commonly applicable wholesome (and unwholesome) diet is discussed with examples. A specific concept called agrya samgraha (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 listed are 84 ingredients used in alcoholic preparations that help in strengthening the patient’s mind, body and digestive power (agni).  

This chapter, the first within the anna-pana chatushka (tetrad of guidelines on diet 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 were postulated, such as those of atma (spirit), mana (mind), rasa, shad dhatu (six elements), matru-pitru (parents), karma (past deeds), swabhava (nature), Prajapati (creator), and Kala (time). After considering all these postulations, Lord Punarvasu Atreya concluded that the same factors that are responsible for the origin of humans are responsible for diseases too. The most commonly applicable wholesome (and unwholesome) diet is discussed with examples. A specific concept called agrya samgraha (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 listed are 84 ingredients used in alcoholic preparations that help in strengthening the patient’s mind, body and digestive power (agni).  

'''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).

=== Introduction ===

=== Introduction ===