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=== Abstract ===

=== Abstract ===

 

The present chapter titled [[Khuddika Garbhavakranti Sharira]] deals with six important factors that are responsible for embryogenesis: mother, father, ''atma'' (soul), ''satmya'' (suitability), ''rasa'' (nutritive fluid), and ''sattva'' (mind). The chapter emphasizes upon the fact that none of these factors has the ability to produce an embryo independently, but a combination of all the six is essential for this process.  

The present chapter titled [[Khuddika Garbhavakranti Sharira]] deals with six important factors that are responsible for embryogenesis: mother, father, ''atma'' (soul), ''satmya'' (suitability), ''rasa'' (nutritive fluid), and ''sattva'' (mind). The chapter emphasizes upon the fact that none of these factors has the ability to produce an embryo independently, but a combination of all the six is essential for this process.  

'''Keywords''': ''Shadbhava, Garbha, Matrija, Pitrija, Sattvaja, Satmyaja, Rasaja, Atmaja,'' Embryogenesis, Influencing factors, Maternal inheritance

'''Keywords''': ''Shadbhava, Garbha, Matrija, Pitrija, Sattvaja, Satmyaja, Rasaja, Atmaja,'' Embryogenesis, Influencing factors, Maternal inheritance

 

=== Introduction ===

=== Introduction ===

 

The previous chapter was on the union of male and female gametes resulting in the formation of embryo. The present chapter is a “minor” chapter on the formation of embryo, serving as a prologue to the “major” chapter on embryogenesis that follows this one ([[Mahatigarbhavakranti Sharira]]). In this chapter on embryogenesis, in the context of sharira (human biology), the following topics have been dealt with:  

The previous chapter was on the union of male and female gametes resulting in the formation of embryo. The present chapter is a “minor” chapter on the formation of embryo, serving as a prologue to the “major” chapter on embryogenesis that follows this one ([[Mahatigarbhavakranti Sharira]]). In this chapter on embryogenesis, in the context of sharira (human biology), the following topics have been dealt with:  

#Factors responsible for the formation, growth and birth of the embryo;  

#Factors responsible for the formation, growth and birth of the embryo;  

#Refutation on the conclusions (by Bharadvaja); and  

#Refutation on the conclusions (by Bharadvaja); and  

#A detailed exposition on the nature of the soul.

#A detailed exposition on the nature of the soul.

 

===Sanskrit text, Transliteration and English Translation===

===Sanskrit text, Transliteration and English Translation===

puruShasyAnupahataretasaH striyAshcApraduShTayonishoNitagarbhAshayAyA yadA bhavati saMsargaH RutukAle,yadA cAnayostathAyukte saMsarge shukrashoNitasaMsargamantargarbhAshayagataM jIvo~avakrAmatisattvasamprayogAttadA garbho~abhinirvatete, sa sAtmyarasopayogAdarogo~abhivardhatesamyagupacAraishcopacaryamANaH, tataH prAptakAlaH sarvendriyopapannaH paripUrNasharIrobalavarNasattvasaMhananasampadupetaH sukhena jAyate samudayAdeShAM bhAvAnAM- mAtRujashcAyaM garbhaHpitRujashcAtmajashca sAtmyajashca rasajashca, asti ca khalu sattvamaupapAdukamiti hovAcabhagavAnAtreyaH||3||  

puruShasyAnupahataretasaH striyAshcApraduShTayonishoNitagarbhAshayAyA yadA bhavati saMsargaH RutukAle,yadA cAnayostathAyukte saMsarge shukrashoNitasaMsargamantargarbhAshayagataM jIvo~avakrAmatisattvasamprayogAttadA garbho~abhinirvatete, sa sAtmyarasopayogAdarogo~abhivardhatesamyagupacAraishcopacaryamANaH, tataH prAptakAlaH sarvendriyopapannaH paripUrNasharIrobalavarNasattvasaMhananasampadupetaH sukhena jAyate samudayAdeShAM bhAvAnAM- mAtRujashcAyaM garbhaHpitRujashcAtmajashca sAtmyajashca rasajashca, asti ca khalu sattvamaupapAdukamiti hovAcabhagavAnAtreyaH||3||  

 

When a man with ''retas''(semen) not afflicted by any abnormality and a woman with disease-free ''yoni'' (genital tract), ''shonita'' (ovum), and ''garbhashaya'' (uterine bed) engage in the act of coitus during the fertile phase, the ''jeeva'' (soul), along with ''sattva'' (mind), descends into the union of sperm and ovum, i.e., zygote which is implanted in the uterus. This results in the formation of the ''garbha'' (embryo). The zygote receiving nourishment by the nutritious ''rasa'' (nutritive fluid) and, on being nursed with proper antenatal care, grows healthily. Later the fetus with all the ''indriyani'' (sensory and motor organs) is formed. The fetus thus formed is complete with all the body parts, and is equipped with optimum strength, complexion, mental faculties and compactness leading to comfortable and timely delivery. This occurs due to the combination of the factors derived from the ''mata'' (mother), ''pita'' (father), ''atma'' (soul), ''satmya'' (suitability), and, ''rasa'' (nutritive fluid). Another factor, ''sattva'' (mind), which is self-produced, also contributes to this process. So said Lord Atreya. [3]

When a man with ''retas''(semen) not afflicted by any abnormality and a woman with disease-free ''yoni'' (genital tract), ''shonita'' (ovum), and ''garbhashaya'' (uterine bed) engage in the act of coitus during the fertile phase, the ''jeeva'' (soul), along with ''sattva'' (mind), descends into the union of sperm and ovum, i.e., zygote which is implanted in the uterus. This results in the formation of the ''garbha'' (embryo). The zygote receiving nourishment by the nutritious ''rasa'' (nutritive fluid) and, on being nursed with proper antenatal care, grows healthily. Later the fetus with all the ''indriyani'' (sensory and motor organs) is formed. The fetus thus formed is complete with all the body parts, and is equipped with optimum strength, complexion, mental faculties and compactness leading to comfortable and timely delivery. This occurs due to the combination of the factors derived from the ''mata'' (mother), ''pita'' (father), ''atma'' (soul), ''satmya'' (suitability), and, ''rasa'' (nutritive fluid). Another factor, ''sattva'' (mind), which is self-produced, also contributes to this process. So said Lord Atreya. [3]

 

नेति भरद्वाजः, किं कारणं- न हि माता न पिता नात्मा न सात्म्यं न पानाशनभक्ष्यलेह्योपयोगा गर्भं जनयन्ति, न चपरलोकादेत्य गर्भं सत्त्वमवक्रामति (१)|४|  

नेति भरद्वाजः, किं कारणं- न हि माता न पिता नात्मा न सात्म्यं न पानाशनभक्ष्यलेह्योपयोगा गर्भं जनयन्ति, न चपरलोकादेत्य गर्भं सत्त्वमवक्रामति (१)|४|  

nēti bharadvājaḥ, kiṁ kāraṇaṁ- na hi mātā na pitā nātmā na sātmyaṁ na pānāśanabhakṣyalēhyōpayōgāgarbhaṁ janayanti, na ca paralōkādētya garbhaṁ sattvamavakrāmati (1)|4|  

nēti bharadvājaḥ, kiṁ kāraṇaṁ- na hi mātā na pitā nātmā na sātmyaṁ na pānāśanabhakṣyalēhyōpayōgāgarbhaṁ janayanti, na ca paralōkādētya garbhaṁ sattvamavakrāmati (1)|4|  

neti bharadvAjaH, kiM kAraNaM- na hi mAtA na pitA nAtmA na sAtmyaM na pAnAshanabhakShyalehyopayogA garbhaMjanayanti, na ca paralokAdetya garbhaM sattvamavakrAmati (1)|4|

neti bharadvAjaH, kiM kAraNaM- na hi mAtA na pitA nAtmA na sAtmyaM na pAnAshanabhakShyalehyopayogA garbhaMjanayanti, na ca paralokAdetya garbhaM sattvamavakrAmati (1)|4|

 

Sage Bharadvaja said: “No. because neither mother, nor father, nor the soul, nor suitability (or articles that the person is accustomed to), nor the utilization of ''pana'' (drinks), ''ashana'' (foods), ''bhakshya'' (solid eatables) and ''lehya'' (semisolid eatables) can produce an embryo. Nor does the mind come from the world beyond to enter into the zygote”. [4.1]

Sage Bharadvaja said: “No. because neither mother, nor father, nor the soul, nor suitability (or articles that the person is accustomed to), nor the utilization of ''pana'' (drinks), ''ashana'' (foods), ''bhakshya'' (solid eatables) and ''lehya'' (semisolid eatables) can produce an embryo. Nor does the mind come from the world beyond to enter into the zygote”. [4.1]

 

यदि हि मातापितरौ गर्भं जनयेतां, भूयस्यः स्त्रियः पुमांसश्च भूयांसः पुत्रकामाः, ते सर्वे पुत्रजन्माभिसन्धायमैथुनधर्ममापद्यमानाः पुत्रानेव जनयेयुर्दुहितॄर्वा दुहितृकामाः, न तु काश्चित् स्त्रियः केचिद्वा पुरुषा निरपत्याः स्युरपत्यकामा वा परिदेवेरन् (२)|४|  

यदि हि मातापितरौ गर्भं जनयेतां, भूयस्यः स्त्रियः पुमांसश्च भूयांसः पुत्रकामाः, ते सर्वे पुत्रजन्माभिसन्धायमैथुनधर्ममापद्यमानाः पुत्रानेव जनयेयुर्दुहितॄर्वा दुहितृकामाः, न तु काश्चित् स्त्रियः केचिद्वा पुरुषा निरपत्याः स्युरपत्यकामा वा परिदेवेरन् (२)|४|  

tiShThatu tAvadetat|  

tiShThatu tAvadetat|  

yadyayamAtmA~a~atmAnaM shakto janayituM syAt, na tvenamiShTAsveva kathaM yoniShujanayedvashinamapratihatagatiM kAmarUpiNaMtejobalajavavarNasattvasaMhananasamuditamajaramarujamamaram; evaMvidhaM hyAtmA~a~atmAnamicchatyatovA bhUyaH (3)|4|  

yadyayamAtmA~a~atmAnaM shakto janayituM syAt, na tvenamiShTAsveva kathaM yoniShujanayedvashinamapratihatagatiM kAmarUpiNaMtejobalajavavarNasattvasaMhananasamuditamajaramarujamamaram; evaMvidhaM hyAtmA~a~atmAnamicchatyatovA bhUyaH (3)|4|  

 

Soul is not born out of another soul. If one soul could beget another soul, it would lead to a question – which kind - born or unborn soul -would beget the other soul? Any argument supporting either of these would not be feasible. As the born soul already exists, it cannot beget itself. As the unborn soul does not exist, it cannot beget itself either. Therefore, the argument is unsustainable either ways. Let us view this from another perspective. If the soul could reproduce itself, then how come it does not choose a noble birth endowed with authority, unrestricted movement, capacity to take the forms as he wishes, luster, strength, agility, good complexion, healthy mind, structural integrity and free from aging, illness and death? The soul desiring to become so, should become so or even better. [4.3]

Soul is not born out of another soul. If one soul could beget another soul, it would lead to a question – which kind - born or unborn soul -would beget the other soul? Any argument supporting either of these would not be feasible. As the born soul already exists, it cannot beget itself. As the unborn soul does not exist, it cannot beget itself either. Therefore, the argument is unsustainable either ways. Let us view this from another perspective. If the soul could reproduce itself, then how come it does not choose a noble birth endowed with authority, unrestricted movement, capacity to take the forms as he wishes, luster, strength, agility, good complexion, healthy mind, structural integrity and free from aging, illness and death? The soul desiring to become so, should become so or even better. [4.3]

 

असात्म्यजश्चायं गर्भः|  

असात्म्यजश्चायं गर्भः|  

यदि हि सात्म्यजःस्यात्, तर्हि सात्म्यसेविनामेवैकान्तेन प्रजा स्यात्, असात्म्यसेविनश्च निखिलेनानपत्याः स्युः,तच्चोभयमुभयत्रैव दृश्यते (४)|४|  

यदि हि सात्म्यजःस्यात्, तर्हि सात्म्यसेविनामेवैकान्तेन प्रजा स्यात्, असात्म्यसेविनश्च निखिलेनानपत्याः स्युः,तच्चोभयमुभयत्रैव दृश्यते (४)|४|  

asAtmyajashcAyaM garbhaH|  

asAtmyajashcAyaM garbhaH|  

yadi hi sAtmyajaHsyAt, tarhi sAtmyasevinAmevaikAntena prajA syAt, asAtmyasevinashca nikhilenAnapatyAH syuH,taccobhayamubhayatraiva dRushyate (4)|4|  

yadi hi sAtmyajaHsyAt, tarhi sAtmyasevinAmevaikAntena prajA syAt, asAtmyasevinashca nikhilenAnapatyAH syuH,taccobhayamubhayatraiva dRushyate (4)|4|  

 

Regiment (suitable to one’s nature or accustomed to) is not responsible for the embryogenesis. If it were so, then only those who practice such regimen should beget children and the others who do not should never beget a child. However, we see that there is clearly no correlation. [4.4]

Regiment (suitable to one’s nature or accustomed to) is not responsible for the embryogenesis. If it were so, then only those who practice such regimen should beget children and the others who do not should never beget a child. However, we see that there is clearly no correlation. [4.4]

 

अरसजश्चायं गर्भः|  

अरसजश्चायं गर्भः|  

यदि हि रसजः स्यात्, न केचित् स्त्रीपुरुषेष्वनपत्याः स्युः, न हि कश्चिदस्त्येषां यो रसान्नोपयुङ्क्ते; श्रेष्ठरसोपयोगिनांचेद्गर्भा जायन्त इत्यभिप्रेतमिति, एवं सत्याजौरभ्रमार्गमायूरगोक्षीरदधिघृतमधुतैलसैन्धवेक्षुरसमुद्गशालिभृतानामेवैकान्तेनप्रजा स्यात्, श्यामाकवरकोद्दालककोरदूषककन्दमूलभक्षाश्च निखिलेनानपत्याः स्युः, तच्चोभयमुभयत्र दृश्यते (५)|४|  

यदि हि रसजः स्यात्, न केचित् स्त्रीपुरुषेष्वनपत्याः स्युः, न हि कश्चिदस्त्येषां यो रसान्नोपयुङ्क्ते; श्रेष्ठरसोपयोगिनांचेद्गर्भा जायन्त इत्यभिप्रेतमिति, एवं सत्याजौरभ्रमार्गमायूरगोक्षीरदधिघृतमधुतैलसैन्धवेक्षुरसमुद्गशालिभृतानामेवैकान्तेनप्रजा स्यात्, श्यामाकवरकोद्दालककोरदूषककन्दमूलभक्षाश्च निखिलेनानपत्याः स्युः, तच्चोभयमुभयत्र दृश्यते (५)|४|  

arasajashcAyaM garbhaH|  

arasajashcAyaM garbhaH|  

yadi hi rasajaH syAt, na kecit strIpuruSheShvanapatyAH syuH, na hi kashcidastyeShAM yo rasAnnopayu~gkte;shreShTharasopayoginAM cedgarbhA jAyanta ityabhipretamiti, evaMsatyAjaurabhramArgamAyUragokShIradadhighRutamadhutailasaindhavekShurasamudgashAlibhRutAnAmevaikAntenaprajA syAt, shyAmAkavarakoddAlakakoradUShakakandamUlabhakShAshca nikhilenAnapatyAH syuH,taccobhayamubhayatra dRushyate (5)|4|  

yadi hi rasajaH syAt, na kecit strIpuruSheShvanapatyAH syuH, na hi kashcidastyeShAM yo rasAnnopayu~gkte;shreShTharasopayoginAM cedgarbhA jAyanta ityabhipretamiti, evaMsatyAjaurabhramArgamAyUragokShIradadhighRutamadhutailasaindhavekShurasamudgashAlibhRutAnAmevaikAntenaprajA syAt, shyAmAkavarakoddAlakakoradUShakakandamUlabhakShAshca nikhilenAnapatyAH syuH,taccobhayamubhayatra dRushyate (5)|4|  

 

The embryo is not formed of ''rasa''. If it were so, then none of the couples would remain without a child, as none of them can live without ''rasa''. If only the individuals having ''rasa'' of the best quality were supposed to have children, then only those who consumed meat soup of goat, sheep, deer, and peacock, milk, yoghurt and ghee of the cow, honey, oil, rock salt, sugarcane juice, green gram and ''shali'' rice for nourishment should have been begetting children and the others who consume ''syamaka, varaka, uddalaka, koradushaka,'' rhizomes and roots should have been childless. However, in both these scenarios, we can see that that’s not the case. [4.5]

The embryo is not formed of ''rasa''. If it were so, then none of the couples would remain without a child, as none of them can live without ''rasa''. If only the individuals having ''rasa'' of the best quality were supposed to have children, then only those who consumed meat soup of goat, sheep, deer, and peacock, milk, yoghurt and ghee of the cow, honey, oil, rock salt, sugarcane juice, green gram and ''shali'' rice for nourishment should have been begetting children and the others who consume ''syamaka, varaka, uddalaka, koradushaka,'' rhizomes and roots should have been childless. However, in both these scenarios, we can see that that’s not the case. [4.5]

 

न खल्वपि परलोकादेत्य सत्त्वं गर्भमवक्रामति; यदि ह्येनमवक्रामेत्, नास्य किञ्चित् पौर्वदेहिकं स्यादविदितमश्रुतमदृष्टं वा,स च तच्च न किञ्चिदपि स्मरति (६)||४||  

न खल्वपि परलोकादेत्य सत्त्वं गर्भमवक्रामति; यदि ह्येनमवक्रामेत्, नास्य किञ्चित् पौर्वदेहिकं स्यादविदितमश्रुतमदृष्टं वा,स च तच्च न किञ्चिदपि स्मरति (६)||४||  

na hi mAturvinA garbhotpattiH syAt, na ca janma jarAyujAnAm|  

na hi mAturvinA garbhotpattiH syAt, na ca janma jarAyujAnAm|  

yAni khalvasya garbhasya mAtRujAni, yAni cAsya mAtRutaH sambhavataH sambhavanti, tAnyanuvyAkhyAsyAmaH;tadyathA- tvakca lohitaM ca mAMsaM ca medashca nAbhishca hRudayaM ca kloma ca yakRucca plIhA ca vRukkau cabastishca purIShAdhAnaM cAmAshayashca pakvAshayashcottaragudaM cAdharagudaM ca kShudrAntraM casthUlAntraM ca vApA ca vapAvahanaM ceti (mAtRujAni)||6||  

yAni khalvasya garbhasya mAtRujAni, yAni cAsya mAtRutaH sambhavataH sambhavanti, tAnyanuvyAkhyAsyAmaH;tadyathA- tvakca lohitaM ca mAMsaM ca medashca nAbhishca hRudayaM ca kloma ca yakRucca plIhA ca vRukkau cabastishca purIShAdhAnaM cAmAshayashca pakvAshayashcottaragudaM cAdharagudaM ca kShudrAntraM casthUlAntraM ca vApA ca vapAvahanaM ceti (mAtRujAni)||6||  

 

The mother contributes in the process of embryogenesis. There can be no conception and birth of viviparous animals without the mother. We shall hereby describe those bodily components which are derived from the maternal factor. These are: ''tvak'' (skin), ''lohita'' (blood), ''mamsa'' (flesh), ''meda'' (fat), ''nabhi'' (umbilicus), ''hridaya'' (heart), ''kloma'' (right lung), ''yakrit'' (liver), ''pleeha'' (spleen), ''vrikkau'' (kidneys), ''basti'' (bladder), ''purishadhana'' (rectum), ''amashaya'' (stomach), ''pakvashaya'' (colon), ''uttaraguda'' (upper part of the anus), ''adharaguda'' (lower part of the anus), ''kshudrantra'' (small intestine), ''sthulantra'' (large intestine), ''vapa'' (mesentery) and ''vapavahana'' (omentum). [6]

The mother contributes in the process of embryogenesis. There can be no conception and birth of viviparous animals without the mother. We shall hereby describe those bodily components which are derived from the maternal factor. These are: ''tvak'' (skin), ''lohita'' (blood), ''mamsa'' (flesh), ''meda'' (fat), ''nabhi'' (umbilicus), ''hridaya'' (heart), ''kloma'' (right lung), ''yakrit'' (liver), ''pleeha'' (spleen), ''vrikkau'' (kidneys), ''basti'' (bladder), ''purishadhana'' (rectum), ''amashaya'' (stomach), ''pakvashaya'' (colon), ''uttaraguda'' (upper part of the anus), ''adharaguda'' (lower part of the anus), ''kshudrantra'' (small intestine), ''sthulantra'' (large intestine), ''vapa'' (mesentery) and ''vapavahana'' (omentum). [6]

 

पितृजश्चायं गर्भः|  

पितृजश्चायं गर्भः|  

नहि पितुरृते गर्भोत्पत्तिः स्यात्, न च जन्म जरायुजानाम्|  

नहि पितुरृते गर्भोत्पत्तिः स्यात्, न च जन्म जरायुजानाम्|  

nahi piturRute garbhotpattiH syAt, na ca janma jarAyujAnAm|  

nahi piturRute garbhotpattiH syAt, na ca janma jarAyujAnAm|  

yAni khalvasya garbhasya pitRujAni, yAni cAsya pitRutaH sambhavataH sambhavanti, tAnyanuvyAkhyAsyAmaH;tadyathA- keshashmashrunakhalomadantAsthisirAsnAyudhamanyaH shukraM ceti (pitRujAni)||7||  

yAni khalvasya garbhasya pitRujAni, yAni cAsya pitRutaH sambhavataH sambhavanti, tAnyanuvyAkhyAsyAmaH;tadyathA- keshashmashrunakhalomadantAsthisirAsnAyudhamanyaH shukraM ceti (pitRujAni)||7||  

 

The father contributes in the process of embryogenesis. There can be no conception and birth of viviparous animals without the father. We shall hereby describe those bodily components derived from the father. They are: ''kesha'' (hair of the head), ''smashru'' (facial hair), ''nakha'' (nail), ''loma'' (small hair on the body), ''danta'' (teeth), ''asthi'' (bones), ''sira'' (veins), ''snayu'' (ligaments), ''dhamnyah'' (arteries) and ''shukra'' (semen). [7]

The father contributes in the process of embryogenesis. There can be no conception and birth of viviparous animals without the father. We shall hereby describe those bodily components derived from the father. They are: ''kesha'' (hair of the head), ''smashru'' (facial hair), ''nakha'' (nail), ''loma'' (small hair on the body), ''danta'' (teeth), ''asthi'' (bones), ''sira'' (veins), ''snayu'' (ligaments), ''dhamnyah'' (arteries) and ''shukra'' (semen). [7]

 

आत्मजश्चायं गर्भः|  

आत्मजश्चायं गर्भः|  

गर्भात्मा ह्यन्तरात्मा यः, तं ‘जीव’ इत्याचक्षते शाश्वतमरुजमजरममरमक्षयमभेद्यमच्छेद्यमलोड्यं विश्वरूपंविश्वकर्माणमव्यक्तमनादिमनिधनमक्षरमपि|  

गर्भात्मा ह्यन्तरात्मा यः, तं ‘जीव’ इत्याचक्षते शाश्वतमरुजमजरममरमक्षयमभेद्यमच्छेद्यमलोड्यं विश्वरूपंविश्वकर्माणमव्यक्तमनादिमनिधनमक्षरमपि|  

tasya punarAtmano janmAnAditvAnnopapadyate, tasmAnna jAta evAyamajAtaM garbhaM janayati, ajAtohyayamajAtaM garbhaM janayati; sa caiva garbhaH kAlAntareNa bAlayuvasthavirabhAvAn prApnoti, sa yasyAMyasyAmavasthAyAM vartate tasyAM tasyAM jAto bhavati, yA tvasya puraskRutAtasyAM janiShyamANashca, tasmAt saeva jAtashcAjAtashca yugapadbhavati; yasmiMshcaitadubhayaM sambhavati jAtatvaM janiShyamANatvaM ca sa jAtojanyate, sa caivAnAgateShvavasthAntareShvajAto janyayatyAtmanA~a~atmAnam|  

tasya punarAtmano janmAnAditvAnnopapadyate, tasmAnna jAta evAyamajAtaM garbhaM janayati, ajAtohyayamajAtaM garbhaM janayati; sa caiva garbhaH kAlAntareNa bAlayuvasthavirabhAvAn prApnoti, sa yasyAMyasyAmavasthAyAM vartate tasyAM tasyAM jAto bhavati, yA tvasya puraskRutAtasyAM janiShyamANashca, tasmAt saeva jAtashcAjAtashca yugapadbhavati; yasmiMshcaitadubhayaM sambhavati jAtatvaM janiShyamANatvaM ca sa jAtojanyate, sa caivAnAgateShvavasthAntareShvajAto janyayatyAtmanA~a~atmAnam|  

sato hyavasthAntaragamanamAtrameva hi janma cocyate tatra tatra vayasi tasyAM tasyAmavasthAyAM; yathA-satAmeva shukrashoNitajIvAnAM prAk saMyogAdgarbhatvaM na bhavati, tacca saMyogAdbhavati; yathA-satastasyaiva puruShasya prAgapatyAt pitRutvaM na bhavati, taccApatyAdbhavati; tathA satastasyaiva garbhasyatasyAM tasyAmavasthAyAM jAtatvamajAtatvaM cocyate||8||  

sato hyavasthAntaragamanamAtrameva hi janma cocyate tatra tatra vayasi tasyAM tasyAmavasthAyAM; yathA-satAmeva shukrashoNitajIvAnAM prAk saMyogAdgarbhatvaM na bhavati, tacca saMyogAdbhavati; yathA-satastasyaiva puruShasya prAgapatyAt pitRutvaM na bhavati, taccApatyAdbhavati; tathA satastasyaiva garbhasyatasyAM tasyAmavasthAyAM jAtatvamajAtatvaM cocyate||8||  

 

The soul contributes in the process of embryogenesis. The ''antaratma'' (soul inside the body) is the same as ''garbhatma''(soul in the fetus) and is known as ''jeeva'' (life-form). According to scriptures, this soul is ''sashvata'' (eternal). It is ''aruja'' (disease-free), does not age (''ajara''), is immortal (''amara''), does not undergo decay (''akshaya''), is impenetrable (''abhedya''), is unbreakable (''achhedya''), is unperturbable (''alodya''), is omnipresent (''vishvarupa'') and omnipotent (''vishvakarma''). It is invisible (''avyakta''), neither has a beginning nor an end (''anadinidhana''), and is imperishable (''akshara''). By entering into the uterus, it combines with the ''shukra'' (sperm) and the ''shonita'' (ovum) and takes birth in the form of a fetus. Thus, the fetus derives its identification from the soul. Because the soul is without a beginning, the birth of the soul is not possible. Neither does the soul, being itself unborn, give rise to an unborn embryo, nor does the soul, being itself unborn, give rise to a born embryo. With the passage of time, the same embryo goes through the stages of childhood, youth, adulthood, and old age. And at each of these states or stages of life,  the soul is said to be “born” in that stage. But, with reference to the future stages, it is considered to be unborn or yet to be born. Therefore, the soul is concurrently both born and unborn. In such situations, the soul creates those stages of life after taking birth. In other situations, where the stage of life is yet to come, the soul without being born manifests itself. In those specific stages of life, the change of the state is considered to be the birth of the ''atman''. For instance, mere existence of ''shukra- shonita'' (semen and ovum) before the union with the soul is not an embryo. ''Shukra-shonita'' are transformed into embryo only when the soul unites with them. A man cannot be called a father before the birth of his child. He is considered to be the father only after the birth of his child. Similarly, the embryo is said to be born or unborn depending upon the state attained or yet to be attained. [8]

The soul contributes in the process of embryogenesis. The ''antaratma'' (soul inside the body) is the same as ''garbhatma''(soul in the fetus) and is known as ''jeeva'' (life-form). According to scriptures, this soul is ''sashvata'' (eternal). It is ''aruja'' (disease-free), does not age (''ajara''), is immortal (''amara''), does not undergo decay (''akshaya''), is impenetrable (''abhedya''), is unbreakable (''achhedya''), is unperturbable (''alodya''), is omnipresent (''vishvarupa'') and omnipotent (''vishvakarma''). It is invisible (''avyakta''), neither has a beginning nor an end (''anadinidhana''), and is imperishable (''akshara''). By entering into the uterus, it combines with the ''shukra'' (sperm) and the ''shonita'' (ovum) and takes birth in the form of a fetus. Thus, the fetus derives its identification from the soul. Because the soul is without a beginning, the birth of the soul is not possible. Neither does the soul, being itself unborn, give rise to an unborn embryo, nor does the soul, being itself unborn, give rise to a born embryo. With the passage of time, the same embryo goes through the stages of childhood, youth, adulthood, and old age. And at each of these states or stages of life,  the soul is said to be “born” in that stage. But, with reference to the future stages, it is considered to be unborn or yet to be born. Therefore, the soul is concurrently both born and unborn. In such situations, the soul creates those stages of life after taking birth. In other situations, where the stage of life is yet to come, the soul without being born manifests itself. In those specific stages of life, the change of the state is considered to be the birth of the ''atman''. For instance, mere existence of ''shukra- shonita'' (semen and ovum) before the union with the soul is not an embryo. ''Shukra-shonita'' are transformed into embryo only when the soul unites with them. A man cannot be called a father before the birth of his child. He is considered to be the father only after the birth of his child. Similarly, the embryo is said to be born or unborn depending upon the state attained or yet to be attained. [8]

 

न खलु गर्भस्य न च मातुर्न पितुर्न चात्मनः सर्वभावेषु यथेष्टकारित्वमस्ति; ते किञ्चित् स्ववशात् कुर्वन्ति, किञ्चित्कर्मवशात्, क्वचिच्चैषां करणशक्तिर्भवति, क्वचिन्न भवति|  

न खलु गर्भस्य न च मातुर्न पितुर्न चात्मनः सर्वभावेषु यथेष्टकारित्वमस्ति; ते किञ्चित् स्ववशात् कुर्वन्ति, किञ्चित्कर्मवशात्, क्वचिच्चैषां करणशक्तिर्भवति, क्वचिन्न भवति|  

यत्र सत्त्वादिकरणसम्पत्तत्र यथाबलमेव यथेष्टकारित्वम्, अतोऽन्यथा विपर्ययः|  

यत्र सत्त्वादिकरणसम्पत्तत्र यथाबलमेव यथेष्टकारित्वम्, अतोऽन्यथा विपर्ययः|  

nahyanyaH sukhaduHkhayoH kartA|  

nahyanyaH sukhaduHkhayoH kartA|  

na cAnyato garbho jAyate jAyamAnaH, nA~gkurotpattirabIjAt||9||  

na cAnyato garbho jAyate jAyamAnaH, nA~gkurotpattirabIjAt||9||  

 

The mother, the father and the soul independently cannot produce an embryo. They contribute to some extent independently and to some extent, they work under the influence of ''karma'' (results of actions of the past life). They possess the capacity to do certain things on their own, but for other few things, they do not. When these factors combine with other factors, such as mind, sense organs, sperm, ovum etc. in their excellent conditions, depending upon their ''karma'', they form the embryo by themselves. When there are deficiencies in these factors, the soul cannot form an embryo. It is well-known that self-realized souls can enter the wombs they desire and attain salvation. The soul itself is responsible for the pleasure and pain of the individual. The embryo is not formed by anything other than the soul. Nothing can be germinated without seeds. [9]

The mother, the father and the soul independently cannot produce an embryo. They contribute to some extent independently and to some extent, they work under the influence of ''karma'' (results of actions of the past life). They possess the capacity to do certain things on their own, but for other few things, they do not. When these factors combine with other factors, such as mind, sense organs, sperm, ovum etc. in their excellent conditions, depending upon their ''karma'', they form the embryo by themselves. When there are deficiencies in these factors, the soul cannot form an embryo. It is well-known that self-realized souls can enter the wombs they desire and attain salvation. The soul itself is responsible for the pleasure and pain of the individual. The embryo is not formed by anything other than the soul. Nothing can be germinated without seeds. [9]

 

यानि तु खल्वस्य गर्भस्यात्मजानि, यानि चास्यात्मतः सम्भवतः सम्भवन्ति, तान्यनुव्याख्यास्यामः तद्यथा- तासु तासुयोनिषूत्पत्तिरायुरात्मज्ञानं मन इन्द्रियाणि प्राणापानौ प्रेरणं धारणमाकृतिस्वरवर्णविशेषाः सुखदुःखे इच्छाद्वेषौ चेतनाधृतिर्बुद्धिः स्मृतिरहङ्कारः प्रयत्नश्चेति (आत्मजानि)||१०||  

यानि तु खल्वस्य गर्भस्यात्मजानि, यानि चास्यात्मतः सम्भवतः सम्भवन्ति, तान्यनुव्याख्यास्यामः तद्यथा- तासु तासुयोनिषूत्पत्तिरायुरात्मज्ञानं मन इन्द्रियाणि प्राणापानौ प्रेरणं धारणमाकृतिस्वरवर्णविशेषाः सुखदुःखे इच्छाद्वेषौ चेतनाधृतिर्बुद्धिः स्मृतिरहङ्कारः प्रयत्नश्चेति (आत्मजानि)||१०||  

yAni tu khalvasya garbhasyAtmajAni, yAni cAsyAtmataH sambhavataH sambhavanti, tAnyanuvyAkhyAsyAmaHtadyathA- tAsu tAsu yoniShUtpattirAyurAtmaj~jAnaM mana indriyANi prANApAnau preraNaMdhAraNamAkRutisvaravarNavisheShAH sukhaduHkhe icchAdveShau cetanA dhRutirbuddhiH smRutiraha~gkAraHprayatnashceti (AtmajAni)||10||  

yAni tu khalvasya garbhasyAtmajAni, yAni cAsyAtmataH sambhavataH sambhavanti, tAnyanuvyAkhyAsyAmaHtadyathA- tAsu tAsu yoniShUtpattirAyurAtmaj~jAnaM mana indriyANi prANApAnau preraNaMdhAraNamAkRutisvaravarNavisheShAH sukhaduHkhe icchAdveShau cetanA dhRutirbuddhiH smRutiraha~gkAraHprayatnashceti (AtmajAni)||10||  

 

We shall now describe those aspects of the individual which are derived from and are formed because of the soul. These are: taking birth in a specific womb, ''ayu'' (life span), ''atma, jnana'' (self realization), ''manas'' (mind), ''indriyani'' (sensory faculty), ''pranapana'' (inspiration-expiration), ''prerana'' (motivation) and ''dharana'' (sustenance), characteristic physique, voice and complexion of the individual, happiness and sorrow, like and dislike, ''chetana'' (consciousness), ''dhriti'' (courage), ''buddhi'' (intellect), ''smriti'' (memory), ''ahankara'' (ego) and ''prayatna'' (efforts). All these aspects of the individual are derived from the soul. [10]

We shall now describe those aspects of the individual which are derived from and are formed because of the soul. These are: taking birth in a specific womb, ''ayu'' (life span), ''atma, jnana'' (self realization), ''manas'' (mind), ''indriyani'' (sensory faculty), ''pranapana'' (inspiration-expiration), ''prerana'' (motivation) and ''dharana'' (sustenance), characteristic physique, voice and complexion of the individual, happiness and sorrow, like and dislike, ''chetana'' (consciousness), ''dhriti'' (courage), ''buddhi'' (intellect), ''smriti'' (memory), ''ahankara'' (ego) and ''prayatna'' (efforts). All these aspects of the individual are derived from the soul. [10]

 

सात्म्यजश्चायं गर्भः|  

सात्म्यजश्चायं गर्भः|  

नह्यसात्म्यसेवित्वमन्तरेण स्त्रीपुरुषयोर्वन्ध्यत्वमस्ति, गर्भेषु वाऽप्यनिष्टो भावः|  

नह्यसात्म्यसेवित्वमन्तरेण स्त्रीपुरुषयोर्वन्ध्यत्वमस्ति, गर्भेषु वाऽप्यनिष्टो भावः|  

nahi kevalaM sAtmyaja evAyaM garbhaH, samudayo~atra kAraNamucyate|  

nahi kevalaM sAtmyaja evAyaM garbhaH, samudayo~atra kAraNamucyate|  

yAni khalvasya garbhasya sAtmyajAni, yAni cAsya sAtmyataH sambhavataH sambhavanti, tAnyanuvyAkhyAsyAmaH;tadyathA- ArogyamanAlasyamalolupatvamindriyaprasAdaH svaravarNabIjasampat praharShabhUyastvaM ceti(sAtmyajAni)||11||

yAni khalvasya garbhasya sAtmyajAni, yAni cAsya sAtmyataH sambhavataH sambhavanti, tAnyanuvyAkhyAsyAmaH;tadyathA- ArogyamanAlasyamalolupatvamindriyaprasAdaH svaravarNabIjasampat praharShabhUyastvaM ceti(sAtmyajAni)||11||

 

The embryo is created by the accustomed, wholesome regimen or ''satmya''. There cannot be sterility of the man, woman or defects in the embryo without resorting to unwholesome practices. Humans are capable of reproduction as long as the ''shukra'' (semen), ''shonita'' (ovum), and ''garbhashaya'' (uterus) are not afflicted by the vitiated  ''doshas'' in the body, due to indulgence in unwholesome practices. Those couples who follow wholesome regimen even during the period of sexual union, and whose semen, ovum and uterus are unafflicted, do not produce the offspring if the soul does not enter into it. Therefore, wholesome regimen is solely not responsible for embryogenesis. It is the blending of all the factors that is responsible for embryogenesis. We shall hereby describe the aspects of the individual derived from and due to wholesome regimen. These are: ''arogya'' (the state of freedom from diseases), ''analasya'' (freedom from laziness) and ''alolupatva'' (freedom from greed), clarity of senses, excellence of voice and fertility and optimum libido. [11]

The embryo is created by the accustomed, wholesome regimen or ''satmya''. There cannot be sterility of the man, woman or defects in the embryo without resorting to unwholesome practices. Humans are capable of reproduction as long as the ''shukra'' (semen), ''shonita'' (ovum), and ''garbhashaya'' (uterus) are not afflicted by the vitiated  ''doshas'' in the body, due to indulgence in unwholesome practices. Those couples who follow wholesome regimen even during the period of sexual union, and whose semen, ovum and uterus are unafflicted, do not produce the offspring if the soul does not enter into it. Therefore, wholesome regimen is solely not responsible for embryogenesis. It is the blending of all the factors that is responsible for embryogenesis. We shall hereby describe the aspects of the individual derived from and due to wholesome regimen. These are: ''arogya'' (the state of freedom from diseases), ''analasya'' (freedom from laziness) and ''alolupatva'' (freedom from greed), clarity of senses, excellence of voice and fertility and optimum libido. [11]

 

रसजश्चायं गर्भः|  

रसजश्चायं गर्भः|  

न हि रसादृते मातुः प्राणयात्राऽपि स्यात्, किं पुनर्गर्भजन्म|  

न हि रसादृते मातुः प्राणयात्राऽपि स्यात्, किं पुनर्गर्भजन्म|  

na caivAsamyagupayujyamAnA rasA garbhamabhinirvartayanti, na ca kevalaM samyagupayogAdeva rasAnAMgarbhAbhinirvRuttirbhavati, samudAyo~apyatra kAraNamucyate|  

na caivAsamyagupayujyamAnA rasA garbhamabhinirvartayanti, na ca kevalaM samyagupayogAdeva rasAnAMgarbhAbhinirvRuttirbhavati, samudAyo~apyatra kAraNamucyate|  

yAni tu khalvasya garbhasya rasajAni, yAni cAsya rasataH sambhavataH sambhavanti, tAnyanuvyAkhyAsyAmaH;tadyathA- sharIrasyAbhinirvRuttirabhivRuddhiH prANAnubandhastRuptiH puShTirutsAhashceti (rasajAni)||12||  

yAni tu khalvasya garbhasya rasajAni, yAni cAsya rasataH sambhavataH sambhavanti, tAnyanuvyAkhyAsyAmaH;tadyathA- sharIrasyAbhinirvRuttirabhivRuddhiH prANAnubandhastRuptiH puShTirutsAhashceti (rasajAni)||12||  

 

The embryo is produced from ''rasa''. Without ''rasa'' (nutritive fluid), even the mother cannot survive, hence neither can the embryo. Improper nourishment does not contribute to the embryogenesis. On the contrary, neither is an embryo formed simply due to adequate nourishment. In this case too, the blending of all the factors is responsible for embryogenesis. We shall hereby describe the aspects of the individual derived from ''rasa''. These are: formation and growth of the body, sustenance of life, satiety, nourishment and enthusiasm. [12]

The embryo is produced from ''rasa''. Without ''rasa'' (nutritive fluid), even the mother cannot survive, hence neither can the embryo. Improper nourishment does not contribute to the embryogenesis. On the contrary, neither is an embryo formed simply due to adequate nourishment. In this case too, the blending of all the factors is responsible for embryogenesis. We shall hereby describe the aspects of the individual derived from ''rasa''. These are: formation and growth of the body, sustenance of life, satiety, nourishment and enthusiasm. [12]

 

अस्ति खलु सत्त्वमौपपादुकं; यज्जीवं स्पृक्शरीरेणाभिसम्बध्नाति, यस्मिन्नपगमनपुरस्कृते शीलमस्य व्यावर्तते,भक्तिर्विपर्यस्यते, सर्वेन्द्रियाण्युपतप्यन्ते, बलं हीयते, व्याधय आप्याय्यन्ते, यस्माद्धीनः प्राणाञ्जहाति,यदिन्द्रियाणामभिग्राहकं च ‘मन’ इत्यभिधीयते; तत्त्रिविधमाख्यायते- शुद्धं, राजसं, तामसमिति|  

अस्ति खलु सत्त्वमौपपादुकं; यज्जीवं स्पृक्शरीरेणाभिसम्बध्नाति, यस्मिन्नपगमनपुरस्कृते शीलमस्य व्यावर्तते,भक्तिर्विपर्यस्यते, सर्वेन्द्रियाण्युपतप्यन्ते, बलं हीयते, व्याधय आप्याय्यन्ते, यस्माद्धीनः प्राणाञ्जहाति,यदिन्द्रियाणामभिग्राहकं च ‘मन’ इत्यभिधीयते; तत्त्रिविधमाख्यायते- शुद्धं, राजसं, तामसमिति|  

येनास्य खलु मनो भूयिष्ठं, तेन द्वितीयायामाजातौ सम्प्रयोगो भवति; यदा तु तेनैव शुद्धेन संयुज्यते, तदाजातेरतिक्रान्ताया अपि स्मरति|  

येनास्य खलु मनो भूयिष्ठं, तेन द्वितीयायामाजातौ सम्प्रयोगो भवति; यदा तु तेनैव शुद्धेन संयुज्यते, तदाजातेरतिक्रान्ताया अपि स्मरति|  

yAni khalvasya garbhasya sattvajAni, yAnyasya sattvataH sambhavataH sambhavanti, tAnyanuvyAkhyAsyAmaH;tadyathA- bhaktiH shIlaM shaucaM dveShaH smRutirmohastyAgo mAtsaryaM shauryaM bhayaMkrodhastandrotsAhastaikShNyaM mArdavaM gAmbhIryamanavasthitatvamityevamAdayashcAnye, te sattvavikArAyAnuttarakAlaM sattvabhedamadhikRutyopadekShyAmaH|  

yAni khalvasya garbhasya sattvajAni, yAnyasya sattvataH sambhavataH sambhavanti, tAnyanuvyAkhyAsyAmaH;tadyathA- bhaktiH shIlaM shaucaM dveShaH smRutirmohastyAgo mAtsaryaM shauryaM bhayaMkrodhastandrotsAhastaikShNyaM mArdavaM gAmbhIryamanavasthitatvamityevamAdayashcAnye, te sattvavikArAyAnuttarakAlaM sattvabhedamadhikRutyopadekShyAmaH|  

nAnAvidhAni khalu sattvAni, tAni sarvANyekapuruShe bhavanti, na ca bhavantyekakAlam, ekaM tuprAyovRuttyA~a~aha ||13||  

nAnAvidhAni khalu sattvAni, tAni sarvANyekapuruShe bhavanti, na ca bhavantyekakAlam, ekaM tuprAyovRuttyA~a~aha ||13||  

 

Mind connects the soul and the body. So, on the threshold of death when the mind departs the body, normal behavior and tendencies change - the senses are disturbed, strength decreases and diseases progress. Individuals without mind die because mind controls the sense organs.  

Mind connects the soul and the body. So, on the threshold of death when the mind departs the body, normal behavior and tendencies change - the senses are disturbed, strength decreases and diseases progress. Individuals without mind die because mind controls the sense organs.  

The mind is of three types, viz. ''shuddha'' (''sattvika'')'', rajas'' and ''tamas''. When any one attribute dominates the mind in one’s life, the same continues to dominate in the next life also. If the individual’s mind was characterized by ''shuddha'' attribute in the past life, then he can remember his past life. It is due to the continuity of the same mind that the person can remember things of his past life. Due to this power to recollect things of the past life, he is called ''jatismara''.  

The mind is of three types, viz. ''shuddha'' (''sattvika'')'', rajas'' and ''tamas''. When any one attribute dominates the mind in one’s life, the same continues to dominate in the next life also. If the individual’s mind was characterized by ''shuddha'' attribute in the past life, then he can remember his past life. It is due to the continuity of the same mind that the person can remember things of his past life. Due to this power to recollect things of the past life, he is called ''jatismara''.  

We shall hereby describe the aspects of the individual, which are derived from the mind. They are: ''bhakti'' (devotion), ''sheela'' (character), ''shaucha'' (purity), ''dvesha'' (hatred), ''smriti'' (memory), ''moha'' (attachment), ''tyaga'' (sacrifice), ''matsarya'' (jealousy), ''shaurya'' (valor), ''bhaya'' (fear), ''krodha'' (anger), ''tandra'' (drowsiness), ''utsaha'' (enthusiasm), ''taikshnya'' (sharpness), ''mardava'' (softness), ''gambhirya'' (seriousness), ''anavasthitatva'' (unsteadiness) and such other manifestations of the mind which will be described later while discussing the various types of mind. All these are present in the same person, however, not all manifest simultaneously. An individual is said to be of a particular type, based on the predominant type of mind. [13]

We shall hereby describe the aspects of the individual, which are derived from the mind. They are: ''bhakti'' (devotion), ''sheela'' (character), ''shaucha'' (purity), ''dvesha'' (hatred), ''smriti'' (memory), ''moha'' (attachment), ''tyaga'' (sacrifice), ''matsarya'' (jealousy), ''shaurya'' (valor), ''bhaya'' (fear), ''krodha'' (anger), ''tandra'' (drowsiness), ''utsaha'' (enthusiasm), ''taikshnya'' (sharpness), ''mardava'' (softness), ''gambhirya'' (seriousness), ''anavasthitatva'' (unsteadiness) and such other manifestations of the mind which will be described later while discussing the various types of mind. All these are present in the same person, however, not all manifest simultaneously. An individual is said to be of a particular type, based on the predominant type of mind. [13]

 

एवमयं नानाविधानामेषां गर्भकराणां भावानां समुदायादभिनिर्वर्तते गर्भः; यथा- कूटागारं नानाद्रव्यसमुदायात्, यथा वा- रथोनानारथाङ्गसमुदायात्; तस्मादेतदवोचाम- मातृजश्चायं गर्भः, पितृजश्च, आत्मजश्च, सात्म्यजश्च, रसजश्च, अस्ति चसत्त्वमौपपादुकमिति (होवाच भगवानात्रेयः)||१४||  

एवमयं नानाविधानामेषां गर्भकराणां भावानां समुदायादभिनिर्वर्तते गर्भः; यथा- कूटागारं नानाद्रव्यसमुदायात्, यथा वा- रथोनानारथाङ्गसमुदायात्; तस्मादेतदवोचाम- मातृजश्चायं गर्भः, पितृजश्च, आत्मजश्च, सात्म्यजश्च, रसजश्च, अस्ति चसत्त्वमौपपादुकमिति (होवाच भगवानात्रेयः)||१४||  

evamayaM nAnAvidhAnAmeShAM garbhakarANAM bhAvAnAM samudAyAdabhinirvartate garbhaH; yathA- kUTAgAraMnAnAdravyasamudAyAt, yathA vA- ratho nAnArathA~ggasamudAyAt; tasmAdetadavocAma- mAtRujashcAyaMgarbhaH, pitRujashca, Atmajashca, sAtmyajashca, rasajashca, asti ca sattvamaupapAdukamiti (hovAcabhagavAnAtreyaH)||14||  

evamayaM nAnAvidhAnAmeShAM garbhakarANAM bhAvAnAM samudAyAdabhinirvartate garbhaH; yathA- kUTAgAraMnAnAdravyasamudAyAt, yathA vA- ratho nAnArathA~ggasamudAyAt; tasmAdetadavocAma- mAtRujashcAyaMgarbhaH, pitRujashca, Atmajashca, sAtmyajashca, rasajashca, asti ca sattvamaupapAdukamiti (hovAcabhagavAnAtreyaH)||14||  

 

Thus, by the combination of various factors, the embryo is formed just like a ''kutagara'' (circular cottage used for administering ''svedana''-hot fomentation therapy) is formed from various materials, or, like a chariot being constructed from various chariot parts. Therefore, we assert that the embryo is formed of various factors, viz. maternal factor, paternal factor, soul, wholesome regimen and ''rasa''. The mind serves as the connecting link. (Thus) said Lord Atreya. [14]

Thus, by the combination of various factors, the embryo is formed just like a ''kutagara'' (circular cottage used for administering ''svedana''-hot fomentation therapy) is formed from various materials, or, like a chariot being constructed from various chariot parts. Therefore, we assert that the embryo is formed of various factors, viz. maternal factor, paternal factor, soul, wholesome regimen and ''rasa''. The mind serves as the connecting link. (Thus) said Lord Atreya. [14]

 

भरद्वाज उवाच-यद्ययमेषां नानाविधानां गर्भकराणां भावानां समुदायादभिनिर्वर्तते गर्भः कथमयं सन्धीयते, यदि चापिसन्धीयते कस्मात् समुदायप्रभवः सन् गर्भो मनुष्यविग्रहेण जायते, मनुष्यश्च मनुष्यप्रभव उच्यते; तत्रचेदिष्टमेतद्यस्मान्मनुष्यो मनुष्यप्रभवस्तस्मादेव मनुष्यविग्रहेण जायते, यथा- गौर्गोप्रभवः, यथा- चाश्वोऽश्वप्रभव इति; एवंसति यदुक्तमग्रे समुदयात्मक इति तदयुक्तम्|  

भरद्वाज उवाच-यद्ययमेषां नानाविधानां गर्भकराणां भावानां समुदायादभिनिर्वर्तते गर्भः कथमयं सन्धीयते, यदि चापिसन्धीयते कस्मात् समुदायप्रभवः सन् गर्भो मनुष्यविग्रहेण जायते, मनुष्यश्च मनुष्यप्रभव उच्यते; तत्रचेदिष्टमेतद्यस्मान्मनुष्यो मनुष्यप्रभवस्तस्मादेव मनुष्यविग्रहेण जायते, यथा- गौर्गोप्रभवः, यथा- चाश्वोऽश्वप्रभव इति; एवंसति यदुक्तमग्रे समुदयात्मक इति तदयुक्तम्|  

यदि च मनुष्यो मनुष्यप्रभवः, कस्माज्जडान्धकुब्जमूकवामनमिम्मिनव्यङ्गोन्मत्तकुष्ठिकिलासिभ्यो जाताः पितृसदृशरूपा न भवन्ति|  

यदि च मनुष्यो मनुष्यप्रभवः, कस्माज्जडान्धकुब्जमूकवामनमिम्मिनव्यङ्गोन्मत्तकुष्ठिकिलासिभ्यो जाताः पितृसदृशरूपा न भवन्ति|  

atrApi pratij~jAhAnidoShaH syAt, evamukte hyAtmA satsvindriyeShu j~jaH syAdasatsvaj~jaH; yatra caitadubhayaMsambhavati j~jatvamaj~jatvaM ca, savikArashcAtmA |  

atrApi pratij~jAhAnidoShaH syAt, evamukte hyAtmA satsvindriyeShu j~jaH syAdasatsvaj~jaH; yatra caitadubhayaMsambhavati j~jatvamaj~jatvaM ca, savikArashcAtmA |  

yadi ca darshanAdibhirAtmA viShayAn vetti, nirindriyo darshanAdivirahAdaj~jaH syAt, aj~jatvAdakAraNam,akAraNatvAcca nAtmeti vAgvastumAtrametadvacanamanarthaM syAditi (hovAca bharadvAjaH)||15||  

yadi ca darshanAdibhirAtmA viShayAn vetti, nirindriyo darshanAdivirahAdaj~jaH syAt, aj~jatvAdakAraNam,akAraNatvAcca nAtmeti vAgvastumAtrametadvacanamanarthaM syAditi (hovAca bharadvAjaH)||15||  

 

Bharadvāja said, -If the embryo is formed out of the combination of these various reproductive factors, then how do they get united? If we put aside their combination, then how come the union of these factors results in the formation of a human offspring? Man is known to be born from another man. If it is argued that the individual takes the form of a human being because he is born out of a man, just as a cow is born out of a cow and a horse from a horse, then, the statement that the embryo is formed out of the combination of all these factors becomes wrong. If the man is born from another man, then why is the child, born to parents who are dull, blind, hunch-backed, mute, dwarf, lisping, suffering from freckles, insane, afflicted with ''kushtha'' (obstinate skin diseases including leprosy) and ''kilasa'' (leucoderma), is not afflicted with the same? To resolve this, if it is argued that the individuals born of the aforementioned afflictions do not suffer the defects of their parents because the soul perceives information through its own eyes, ears, nose, tongue, skin, and intellect etc., this too becomes false, because the soul will be endowed with consciousness only in the presence of sense organs and not otherwise. Thus, the soul will be both conscious and ignorant. Hence this would imply that the soul undergoes changes. If the soul understands things by vision etc., in the absence of these sense organs he won’t be able to perceive, due to which it cannot serve as a causative factor. And if the soul is not a causative factor, then it cannot be called atman (soul). Thus, this proposition will be ridiculed as meaningless. [15]

Bharadvāja said, -If the embryo is formed out of the combination of these various reproductive factors, then how do they get united? If we put aside their combination, then how come the union of these factors results in the formation of a human offspring? Man is known to be born from another man. If it is argued that the individual takes the form of a human being because he is born out of a man, just as a cow is born out of a cow and a horse from a horse, then, the statement that the embryo is formed out of the combination of all these factors becomes wrong. If the man is born from another man, then why is the child, born to parents who are dull, blind, hunch-backed, mute, dwarf, lisping, suffering from freckles, insane, afflicted with ''kushtha'' (obstinate skin diseases including leprosy) and ''kilasa'' (leucoderma), is not afflicted with the same? To resolve this, if it is argued that the individuals born of the aforementioned afflictions do not suffer the defects of their parents because the soul perceives information through its own eyes, ears, nose, tongue, skin, and intellect etc., this too becomes false, because the soul will be endowed with consciousness only in the presence of sense organs and not otherwise. Thus, the soul will be both conscious and ignorant. Hence this would imply that the soul undergoes changes. If the soul understands things by vision etc., in the absence of these sense organs he won’t be able to perceive, due to which it cannot serve as a causative factor. And if the soul is not a causative factor, then it cannot be called atman (soul). Thus, this proposition will be ridiculed as meaningless. [15]

 

आत्रेय उवाच- पुरस्तादेतत् प्रतिज्ञातं- सत्त्वं जीवं स्पृक्शरीरेणाभिसम्बध्नातीति|  

आत्रेय उवाच- पुरस्तादेतत् प्रतिज्ञातं- सत्त्वं जीवं स्पृक्शरीरेणाभिसम्बध्नातीति|  

यस्मात्तु समुदायप्रभवः सन् स गर्भो मनुष्यविग्रहेण जायते, मनुष्यो मनुष्यप्रभव इत्युच्यते, तद्वक्ष्यामः- भूतानां चतुर्विधायोनिर्भवति- जराय्वण्डस्वेदोद्भिदः|  

यस्मात्तु समुदायप्रभवः सन् स गर्भो मनुष्यविग्रहेण जायते, मनुष्यो मनुष्यप्रभव इत्युच्यते, तद्वक्ष्यामः- भूतानां चतुर्विधायोनिर्भवति- जराय्वण्डस्वेदोद्भिदः|  

tAsAM khalu catasRuNAmapi yonInAmekaikA yoniraparisa~gkhyeyabhedA bhavati,bhUtAnAmAkRutivisheShAparisa~gkhyeyatvAt|  

tAsAM khalu catasRuNAmapi yonInAmekaikA yoniraparisa~gkhyeyabhedA bhavati,bhUtAnAmAkRutivisheShAparisa~gkhyeyatvAt|  

tatra jarAyujAnAmaNDajAnAM ca prANinAmete garbhakarA bhAvA yAM yAM yonimApadyante, tasyAM tasyAM yonautathAtathArUpA bhavanti; yathA- kanakarajatatAmratrapusIsakAnyAsicyamAnAni teShu teShumadhUcchiShTavigraheShu, tAni yadA manuShyabimbamApadyante tadA manuShyavigraheNa jAyante, tasmAtsamudAyaprabhAvaH san garbho manuShyavigraheNa jAyate; manuShyashca manuShyaprabhava ucyate,tadyonitvAt||16||  

tatra jarAyujAnAmaNDajAnAM ca prANinAmete garbhakarA bhAvA yAM yAM yonimApadyante, tasyAM tasyAM yonautathAtathArUpA bhavanti; yathA- kanakarajatatAmratrapusIsakAnyAsicyamAnAni teShu teShumadhUcchiShTavigraheShu, tAni yadA manuShyabimbamApadyante tadA manuShyavigraheNa jAyante, tasmAtsamudAyaprabhAvaH san garbho manuShyavigraheNa jAyate; manuShyashca manuShyaprabhava ucyate,tadyonitvAt||16||  

 

Lord Ātreya said, “It has already been concluded that the mind connects the soul with the body. A human being is considered to be a cause for the creation of another human being simply because an embryo is a combination of various factors that produce a human form.Thus there are four classes of living beings, viz. ''jarayuja'' (viviparous), ''andaja'' (oviparous), ''svedaja'' (living-beings born of damp heat) and ''udbhida'' (living-beings born by sprouting from the earth). Each of these four classes is of innumerable types. This is due to the countless distinct characters they possess. Just as molten gold, silver, copper, tin and lead , poured into various molds of beeswax, take the form of the mold, viviparous and oviparous beings take their specific forms based on the womb the reproductive factors enter into. So when they come in contact with the human womb, they get into the human form.” [16]

Lord Ātreya said, “It has already been concluded that the mind connects the soul with the body. A human being is considered to be a cause for the creation of another human being simply because an embryo is a combination of various factors that produce a human form.Thus there are four classes of living beings, viz. ''jarayuja'' (viviparous), ''andaja'' (oviparous), ''svedaja'' (living-beings born of damp heat) and ''udbhida'' (living-beings born by sprouting from the earth). Each of these four classes is of innumerable types. This is due to the countless distinct characters they possess. Just as molten gold, silver, copper, tin and lead , poured into various molds of beeswax, take the form of the mold, viviparous and oviparous beings take their specific forms based on the womb the reproductive factors enter into. So when they come in contact with the human womb, they get into the human form.” [16]

 

यच्चोक्तं- यदि च मनुष्यो मनुष्यप्रभवः, कस्मान्न जडादिभ्यो जाताः पितृसदृशरूपा भवन्तीति; तत्रोच्यते-यस्य यस्यह्यङ्गावयवस्य बीजे बीज भाग उपतप्तो भवति, तस्य तस्याङ्गावयवस्य विकृतिरुपजायते, नोपजायते चानुपतापात्;तस्मादुभयोपपत्तिरप्यत्र|  

यच्चोक्तं- यदि च मनुष्यो मनुष्यप्रभवः, कस्मान्न जडादिभ्यो जाताः पितृसदृशरूपा भवन्तीति; तत्रोच्यते-यस्य यस्यह्यङ्गावयवस्य बीजे बीज भाग उपतप्तो भवति, तस्य तस्याङ्गावयवस्य विकृतिरुपजायते, नोपजायते चानुपतापात्;तस्मादुभयोपपत्तिरप्यत्र|  

सर्वस्य चात्मजानीन्द्रियाणि, तेषां भावाभावहेतुर्दैवं; तस्मान्नैकान्ततो जडादिभ्यो जाताः पितृसदृशरूपा भवन्ति||१७||  

सर्वस्य चात्मजानीन्द्रियाणि, तेषां भावाभावहेतुर्दैवं; तस्मान्नैकान्ततो जडादिभ्यो जाताः पितृसदृशरूपा भवन्ति||१७||  

yaccoktaM-yadi ca manuShyo manuShyaprabhavaH, kasmAnna jaDAdibhyo jAtAH pitRusadRusharUpA bhavantIti;tatrocyate- yasya yasya hya~ggAvayavasya bIje bIja bhAga upatapto bhavati, tasya tasyA~ggAvayavasyavikRutirupajAyate, nopajAyate cAnupatApAt; tasmAdubhayopapattirapyatra|  

yaccoktaM-yadi ca manuShyo manuShyaprabhavaH, kasmAnna jaDAdibhyo jAtAH pitRusadRusharUpA bhavantIti;tatrocyate- yasya yasya hya~ggAvayavasya bIje bIja bhAga upatapto bhavati, tasya tasyA~ggAvayavasyavikRutirupajAyate, nopajAyate cAnupatApAt; tasmAdubhayopapattirapyatra|  

sarvasya cAtmajAnIndriyANi, teShAM bhAvAbhAvaheturdaivaM; tasmAnnaikAntato jaDAdibhyo jAtAHpitRusadRusharUpA bhavanti||17||  

sarvasya cAtmajAnIndriyANi, teShAM bhAvAbhAvaheturdaivaM; tasmAnnaikAntato jaDAdibhyo jAtAHpitRusadRusharUpA bhavanti||17||  

 

So, the answer to the previous question “if the human being is a product of another human being, why is a progeny of a dull human being not always dull?” is that, if the part of the ''beeja'' (seed - sperm or ovum) responsible for the development of a specific organ is afflicted, the respective organ will be afflicted too. However, if the ''beeja'' is not afflicted, there would be no affliction of the respective organ. So both the possibilities are there. In fact, the sense organs of all the living beings are derived from the soul and their presence or absence is determined by ''karma'' i.e. the result of the past action. So the offspring of dull parents do not necessarily resemble their parents in those qualities. [17]

So, the answer to the previous question “if the human being is a product of another human being, why is a progeny of a dull human being not always dull?” is that, if the part of the ''beeja'' (seed - sperm or ovum) responsible for the development of a specific organ is afflicted, the respective organ will be afflicted too. However, if the ''beeja'' is not afflicted, there would be no affliction of the respective organ. So both the possibilities are there. In fact, the sense organs of all the living beings are derived from the soul and their presence or absence is determined by ''karma'' i.e. the result of the past action. So the offspring of dull parents do not necessarily resemble their parents in those qualities. [17]

 

न चात्मा सत्स्विन्द्रियेषु ज्ञः, असत्सु वा भवत्यज्ञः; न ह्यसत्त्वः कदाचिदात्मा, सत्त्वविशेषाच्चोपलभ्यते ज्ञानविशेष इति||१८||

न चात्मा सत्स्विन्द्रियेषु ज्ञः, असत्सु वा भवत्यज्ञः; न ह्यसत्त्वः कदाचिदात्मा, सत्त्वविशेषाच्चोपलभ्यते ज्ञानविशेष इति||१८||

pratij~jApratiShedhashca vishadashcAtmanirNayaH|  

pratij~jApratiShedhashca vishadashcAtmanirNayaH|  

garbhAvakrAntimuddishya khuDDIkAM tatprakAshitam||27||  

garbhAvakrAntimuddishya khuDDIkAM tatprakAshitam||27||  

 

In summary, in this minor chapter on the embryogenesis in the context of ''sharira'' (human biology), the following topics were discussed- factors responsible for the formation, growth and birth of the embryo, the dialogue between Punarvasu (Lord Atreya) and Bharadvāja on this topic, the refutation on the conclusions (by Bharadvāja), and  a detailed exposition on the nature of the soul. [26-27]

In summary, in this minor chapter on the embryogenesis in the context of ''sharira'' (human biology), the following topics were discussed- factors responsible for the formation, growth and birth of the embryo, the dialogue between Punarvasu (Lord Atreya) and Bharadvāja on this topic, the refutation on the conclusions (by Bharadvāja), and  a detailed exposition on the nature of the soul. [26-27]

 

इत्यग्निवेशकृते तन्त्रे चरकप्रतिसंस्कृते शारीरस्थाने  

इत्यग्निवेशकृते तन्त्रे चरकप्रतिसंस्कृते शारीरस्थाने  

खुड्डीकागर्भावक्रान्तिशारीरं नाम तृतीयोऽध्यायः||३||  

खुड्डीकागर्भावक्रान्तिशारीरं नाम तृतीयोऽध्यायः||३||  

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

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

 

*Six components interplay in the genesis, growth and development of ''garbha'' (fetus). These are - ''matrija'' (maternal), ''pitraja'' (paternal), ''atmaja'' (soul), ''satmyaja'' (suitable environment), ''rasaja'' (nourishment), and ''sattvaja'' or ''mana'' (psyche).

*Six components interplay in the genesis, growth and development of ''garbha'' (fetus). These are - ''matrija'' (maternal), ''pitraja'' (paternal), ''atmaja'' (soul), ''satmyaja'' (suitable environment), ''rasaja'' (nourishment), and ''sattvaja'' or ''mana'' (psyche).

**There is equilibrium of interplay (''satmyaja'') between all the components.

**There is equilibrium of interplay (''satmyaja'') between all the components.

#Lu Xue, Hong Yi, Zan Huang et al. Global Gene Expression during the Human Organogenesis: From Transcription Profiles to Function Predictions. Int J Biol Sci. 2011; 7(7): 1068–1076

#Lu Xue, Hong Yi, Zan Huang et al. Global Gene Expression during the Human Organogenesis: From Transcription Profiles to Function Predictions. Int J Biol Sci. 2011; 7(7): 1068–1076

#Hai Fang, Ying Yang, Chunliang Li et al. Transcriptome Analysis of Early Organogenesis in Human Embryos. Developmental Cell. Volume 19, Issue 1, 20 July 2010, Pages 174–184.

#Hai Fang, Ying Yang, Chunliang Li et al. Transcriptome Analysis of Early Organogenesis in Human Embryos. Developmental Cell. Volume 19, Issue 1, 20 July 2010, Pages 174–184.