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''Shlokasthanam samuddishtam tantrasyasya shirah shubham [Cha. Chi. 30/45]''

''Shlokasthanam samuddishtam tantrasyasya shirah shubham [Cha. Chi. 30/45]''

<div style="text-align:justify;">The [[Sutra Sthana]] (Section on fundamental principles) of [[Charak Samhita]] deserves the same place as the head deserves in the human body. In ancient times, the [[Sutra Sthana]] was always placed first among ''Samhitas''(ancient reference texts of Ayurveda).Thus, this important section lays the foundation for the whole [[Charak Samhita]] by means of the basic principles documented in it. The word ''Sutra'' literally means a short sentence which has immense importance and deep meaning. It also means a thread which is used to prepare a garland. The name of section suggests that it is a chain of important principles in concise form.   

<div style="text-align:justify;">The [[Sutra Sthana]] (Section on fundamental principles) deserves the same place as the head deserves in the human body. This important section lays the foundation for the whole Samhita by describing the basic principles. The word ''Sutra'' literally means a short sentence which has deep meaning. The name of section suggests that it is a chain of important principles in concise form.  Besides the fundamental principles, this section also establishes various technical terms that are used in subsequent sections of the samhita. This helps in providing a base to not just Ayurveda practitioners, but also to teachers, researchers, and scholars.

From the standpoint of its structure, the [[Sutra Sthana]] consists of thirty chapters, grouped into eight logical contexts. The first seven ''Chatushkas''(or tetrads, i.e., groups of four), while the last one is a a group of two chapters (sangrahadvaya).

 

From the standpoint of its structure, the [[Sutra Sthana]] consists of thirty chapters, grouped into eight logical contexts. The first seven are ''Chatushkas''(or tetrads, i.e., groups of four), while the last one is a ''sangrahadvaya''(a group of two chapters).

===Bheshaja Chatushka (four chapters on medicines)===

===Bheshaja Chatushka (four chapters on medicines)===

The first ''Chatushka'' is also known as ''Bheshaja'' or the ''Aushadha''(medicine) ''Chatushka''. This tetrad deals with various medicines to be used in various forms either externally or internally (i.e., ''bheshaja'').  

The first tetrad is also known as ''Bheshaja'' or the ''Aushadha''(medicine) ''Chatushka''. This tetrad deals with various medicines to be used in various forms either externally or internally.  

* The very first chapter of this ''chatushka''(also the first chapter of the [[Charak Samhita]] itself), the [[Deerghanjiviteeya Adhyaya]], establishes technical concepts such as ''vata'', ''pitta'', ''kapha'', ''rasa''(taste), ''shat karana'' (six causes), etc. which are integral to Ayurveda and used extensively throughout [[Charak Samhita]]. Besides these technical terms, the first chapter describes various medicines, like ''Phalini Dravya'' (a group of drugs having therapeutically useful fruits), ''Moolini Dravya''(a group of drugs having therapeutically useful roots), ''Mahasneha'' (four kinds of fats), ''Lavana''(salts), various types of ''mutra''(urine) and ''ksheera''(milk). The chapter emphasizes on the rational use of medications, since indiscriminate use of even good medicines can cause more harm than good. The chapter then goes on to explain the important concept of ''Trisutra'' (three principles of Ayurveda) i.e. ''hetu'' (causes), ''linga''(sign and symptoms) and ''aushadha'' (medicine).  

* The first chapter [[Deerghanjiviteeya Adhyaya]], explains important concepts such as Tridosha (Vata, Pitta and kapha), Rasa''(taste), Shat karana (six causes), etc. which are integral to Ayurveda and used extensively throughout Charak Samhita. Besides these technical terms, the first chapter describes various medicines, like ''Phalini Dravya'' (therapeutically useful fruits as drugs), ''Moolini Dravya''(therapeutically useful roots as drugs), ''Mahasneha'' (four kinds of fats), ''Lavana''(salts), various types of ''mutra''(urine) and ''ksheera''(milk). The chapter emphasizes on the rational use of medications, since indiscriminate use of even good medicines can cause more harm than good. The chapter then goes on to explain the important concept of ''Trisutra'' (three principles of Ayurveda) i.e. ''hetu'' (causes), ''linga''(sign and symptoms) and ''aushadha'' (medicine).  

* The second chapter ([[Apamarga Tanduliya Adhyaya]]) of the ''Bheshaja Chatushka'' deals specifically with herbs and medicines to be used during and after [[Panchakarma]] (five methods of bio-purification). Thus, the first two chapters of this tetrad describe various medicines to be used internally.  

* The second chapter ([[Apamarga Tanduliya Adhyaya]]) deals specifically with herbs and medicines to be used during and after [[Panchakarma]] (five methods of bio-purification). Thus, the first two chapters of this tetrad describe various medicines to be used internally.  

* The third chapter ([[Aragvadhiya Adhyaya]]) advocates the use of topical medications, or medicines to be applied externally, i.e.,''lepa''(topical medicines, etc).  

* The third chapter ([[Aragvadhiya Adhyaya]]) advocates the use of topical medications, or medicines to be applied externally, i.e.,''lepa'' etc.  

* The fourth chapter ([[Shadvirechanashatashritiya Adhyaya]]) provides details of fifty ''Mahakashaya''(or five classes of groups of ten medicines, and six hundred evacuatives) to be used in various diseases. Overall, this ''Chatushka'' provides a list of drugs to be used in various forms in a variety of diseases.

* The fourth chapter ([[Shadvirechanashatashritiya Adhyaya]]) provides details of fifty ''Mahakashaya''(or five classes of groups of ten medicines, and six hundred evacuatives) to be used in various diseases. Overall, this ''Chatushka'' provides a list of drugs to be used in various forms in a variety of diseases.

* The first chapter of this tetrad, [[Matrashiteeya]], deals with the daily regimen to be followed by healthy individuals to maintain their health.  

* The first chapter of this tetrad, [[Matrashiteeya]], deals with the daily regimen to be followed by healthy individuals to maintain their health.  

* The next chapter, [[Tasyashiteeya]], recommends changes one should make in his/her daily habits and lifestyle i.e. clothing, food habits, exercise etc., depending upon the season, to stay healthy.  

* The next chapter, [[Tasyashiteeya]], recommends changes one should make in his/her daily habits and lifestyle i.e. clothing, food habits, exercise etc., depending upon the season, to stay healthy.  

* The seventh chapter in the [[Charak Samhita]], [[Naveganadharaniya]], explains the importance of suppressible and non-suppressible urges in the human body, diseases due to non-suppressible urges and their treatment.  

* The seventh chapter, [[Naveganadharaniya]], explains the importance of suppressible and non-suppressible urges in the human body, diseases due to non-suppressible urges and their treatment.  

* [[Indriyopakramaniya]] is the last chapter in this tetrad, dealing with ''sadvritta'' (general code of conduct). Besides maintaining his own health, ''sadvritta'' also helps the individual in maintaining healthy relations with other individuals, thus helping maintain harmony in the society at large.

* [[Indriyopakramaniya]], the last chapter in this tetrad, deals with ''sadvritta'' (general code of conduct). Besides maintaining his own health, ''sadvritta'' also helps the individual in maintaining healthy relations with other individuals, thus helping maintain harmony in the society at large.

===Nirdesha Chatushka (four chapters on guidelines for healthcare management)===

===Nirdesha Chatushka (four chapters on guidelines for healthcare management)===

The third tetrad, ''Nirdesha Chatushka'', is about instructions to health care providers.  

The third tetrad, ''Nirdesha Chatushka'', is about instructions to health care providers.  

* The first chapter of this ''Chatushka'', [[Khuddakachatushpada]], deals with the ''Chikitsa Chatushpada'' (or the four aspects of therapeutics) - ''vaidya'' (physician), ''dravya'' (medicine), ''upasthata'' (nurse) and ''rogi''(patient). Four qualities of each of these “aspects” and the importance of the physician among all of them have been detailed in this chapter.  

* The first chapter [[Khuddakachatushpada]], deals with four aspects of therapeutics) - ''vaidya'' (physician), ''dravya'' (medicine), ''upasthata'' (nurse) and ''rogi''(patient). Four qualities of each of these aspects and the importance of the physician among all of them.  

* The next chapter, [[Mahachatushpada]], explains the classification of diseases on the basis of prognosis. It is recommended in this chapter that the treatment should only be initiated after thorough diagnosis and identification of the disease, and the physician should refrain himself from treating the incurable diseases.  

* The next chapter, [[Mahachatushpada]], explains the classification of diseases on the basis of prognosis. It is recommended in this chapter that the treatment should only be initiated after thorough diagnosis and identification of the disease, and the physician should refrain himself from treating the incurable diseases.  

* The third chapter in this ''Chatushka'' ([[Tistraishaniya]]) deals with topics such as the three types of desires, strength, causes of diseases, diseases themselves, paths, physicians, and therapies.  

* The third chapter, ([[Tistraishaniya]]) deals with topics such as the three types of desires, strength, causes of diseases, diseases themselves, paths, physicians, and therapies.  

* The last chapter of this tetrad ([[Vatakalakaliya]]) deals with the good and bad qualities/functions of ''vata'', ''pitta'', and ''kapha''. A physician should have a thorough knowledge of the guidelines provided in this ''Chatushka'' to succeed in his field.

* The last chapter , ([[Vatakalakaliya]]) deals with the good and bad qualities/functions of ''vata'', ''pitta'', and ''kapha''. A physician should have a thorough knowledge of the guidelines provided in this tetrad to succeed in his field.

===Kalpana Chatushka (four chapters on applications of medicines)===  

===Kalpana Chatushka (four chapters on applications of medicines)===  

The next tetrad in [[Sutra Sthana]], ''Kalpanachatushka'', deals with the application of medicines in the form of various procedures either in healthy or in diseased individuals. ''Shodhana'' (bio-purification procedures) is an important concept of Ayurveda prescribed for removal of toxic wastes from the body. To prepare the patient for ''shodhana'', he has to go through specific pre-shodhana procedures, such as ''snehana''(internal application of ''sneha'' (fat)) and ''swedana''(sweating), to mobilize toxic wastes within the body and excrete them out of the body.   

The next tetrad, ''Kalpanachatushka'', deals with the application of medicines in the form of various procedures either in healthy or in diseased individuals. ''Shodhana'' (bio-purification procedures) is an important concept of Ayurveda prescribed for removal of toxic wastes from the body. To prepare the patient for bio-purification, he has to go through specific pre-shodhana procedures, such as ''snehana''(internal application of ''sneha'' (fat)) and ''swedana''(sweating), to mobilize toxic wastes within the body and excrete them out of the body.   

* The first chapter of this ''Chatushka'', [[Snehadhyaya]], provides the guidelines for proper use of ''sneha''(lipids) either for ''shodhana'' or for ''shamana'' (to appease/palliation) purposes. A patient who has successfully completed the ''snehana'' procedure is now subjected to ''swedana'' procedure.  

* The first chapter, [[Snehadhyaya]], provides the guidelines for proper use of ''sneha''(lipids) either for ''shodhana'' or for ''shamana'' (to appease/palliation) purposes. A patient who has successfully completed the ''snehana'' procedure is now subjected to ''swedana'' procedure.  

* The next chapter, [[Swedadhyaya]], explains the various types of ''swedana''(fomentation) recommended for various diseases. ''Snehana'' and ''swedana'' help the toxins to move towards the gut from where they will be expelled out of the body either through ''vamana''(therapeutic emesis) or ''virechana''(therapeutic purgation).  

* The next chapter, [[Swedadhyaya]], explains the various types of ''swedana''(fomentation) recommended for various diseases. ''Snehana'' and ''swedana'' help the toxins to move towards the gut from where they will be expelled out of the body either through ''vamana''(therapeutic emesis) or ''virechana''(therapeutic purgation).  

* The next chapter, [[Upakalpaniya]], emphasizes on how a physician should be well equipped before administering any ''shodhana'' procedure to any of the patients. This chapter provides the outline for a fully equipped hospital and standard ''vamana'' and ''virechana'' procedures. The last chapter of this tetrad, [[Chikitsaprabhritiya]], depicts the importance of ''shodhana'' over ''shamana'' therapy. The details of properly / improperly administered ''shodhana'' procedures are discussed here. Important concepts like ''shuddha chikitsa'' (pure form of treatment)and ''svabhavoparamavada''(theory of natural destruction) etc. have also been described in this chapter.

* The next chapter, [[Upakalpaniya]], emphasizes on how a physician should be well equipped before administering any ''shodhana'' procedure to any of the patients. This chapter provides the outline for a fully equipped hospital and standard ''vamana'' and ''virechana'' procedures.  

* The last chapter of this tetrad, [[Chikitsaprabhritiya]], depicts the importance of ''shodhana'' over ''shamana'' therapy. The details of properly / improperly administered ''shodhana'' procedures are discussed here. Important concepts like ''shuddha chikitsa'' (pure form of treatment)and ''svabhavoparamavada''(theory of natural destruction) etc. have also been described in this chapter.

===Roga Chatushka (four chapters on disease classification)===  

===Roga Chatushka (four chapters on disease classification)===  

The fifth ''Chatushka'' is about ''roga'' (disease). As the name suggests, this ''Chatushka'' provides a (brief) list of diseases that are extensively mentioned throughout [[Charak Samhita]].  

The fifth ''Chatushka'' is about ''roga'' (disease). As the name suggests, this tetrad provides a (brief) list of diseases that are extensively mentioned throughout [[Charak Samhita]].  

* The first chapter [[Kiyanta Shiraseeya]], provides the details of diseases like ''shiroroga''(diseases of the head), ''hridroga''(cardiac diseases), eighteen types of ''kshaya''(loss of body tissues), ''vidradhi'' (abscess) and ''madhumeha''(a clinical condition similar to diabetes mellitus).  

* The first chapter [[Kiyanta Shiraseeya]], provides the details of diseases like ''shiroroga''(diseases of the head), ''hridroga''(cardiac diseases), eighteen types of ''kshaya''(loss of body tissues), ''vidradhi'' (abscess) and ''madhumeha''(a clinical condition similar to diabetes mellitus).  

* The next chapter, [[Trishothiya]], elucidates various types of edema. The third chapter of this tetrad, [[Ashtodariya]], reveals the types of about 48 diseases that are caused by a combination of ''doshas''. The last chapter of this tetrad, [[Maharoga]], is exclusively dedicated to the diseases caused by single ''doshas''(''vata'', ''pitta'', or ''kapha'').

* The next chapter, [[Trishothiya]], elucidates various types of edema. The third chapter of this tetrad, [[Ashtodariya]], reveals the types of about 48 diseases that are caused by a combination of ''doshas''. The last chapter of this tetrad, [[Maharoga]], is exclusively dedicated to the diseases caused by single ''doshas''(''vata'', ''pitta'', or ''kapha'').

The sixth ''Chatushka'', ''Yojanachatushka'', deals with aspects of treatment of various diseases.  

The sixth ''Chatushka'', ''Yojanachatushka'', deals with aspects of treatment of various diseases.  

* The first chapter of this tetrad, [[Ashtauninditiya]], describes eight types of people who are marginalized (or ridiculed) in the society due to their physical features. Out of these eight, only two i.e. ''atisthoola'' (morbidly obese) and ''atikrisha'' (emaciated) are described in detail because of their clinical significance along with their symptomatology and treatment.  

* The first chapter of this tetrad, [[Ashtauninditiya]], describes eight types of people who are marginalized (or ridiculed) in the society due to their physical features. Out of these eight, only two i.e. ''atisthoola'' (morbidly obese) and ''atikrisha'' (emaciated) are described in detail because of their clinical significance along with their symptomatology and treatment.  

* The next chapter, [[Langhanabrimhaniya]], describes six types of treatment i.e. ''langhana''(fasting), ''brimhana''(nourishing therapy), ''snehana'', ''svedana'', ''rukshana''(medical treatment for reducing fat/corpulence) and ''stambhana''(astringent therapy) – primarily for managing ''atisthoola'' or ''atikrisha'' conditions, but also indicated for various other conditions described later in [[Charak Samhita]]. Out of these six, mainly two therapies i.e. ''langhana'' and ''brimhana'' have been described in greater detail.  

* The next chapter, [[Langhanabrimhaniya]], describes six types of treatment i.e. ''langhana''(fasting), ''brimhana''(nourishing therapy), ''snehana'', ''svedana'', ''rukshana''(medical treatment for reducing fat/corpulence) and ''stambhana''(astringent therapy) – primarily for managing ''atisthoola'' or ''atikrisha'' conditions, but also indicated for various other conditions described later in the Samhita. Out of these six, mainly two therapies i.e. ''langhana'' and ''brimhana'' have been described in greater detail.  

* The third chapter, [[Santarpaniya]], deals with diseases caused due to over-nourishment or under-nourishment along with their treatment.  

* The third chapter, [[Santarpaniya]], deals with diseases caused due to over-nourishment or under-nourishment along with their treatment.  

* The last chapter of this ''Chatushka'', [[Vidhishonitiya]], deals with diseases that are not cured by any of the above-mentioned therapies and termed as diseases due to vitiation of ''rakta'' (blood). Such diseases, along with their etiology, symptomatology and treatment have been described in this chapter. Overall this ''Chatushka'' deals with all types of treatment modalities that find extensive reference across [[Charak Samhita]].

* The last chapter of this ''Chatushka'', [[Vidhishonitiya]], deals with diseases that are not cured by any of the above-mentioned therapies and termed as diseases due to vitiation of ''rakta'' (blood). Such diseases, along with their etiology, symptomatology and treatment have been described in this chapter. Overall this tetrad deals with all types of treatment modalities that find extensive reference across the Samhita.

===Annapana Chatushka (four chapters on food and beverages)===

===Annapana Chatushka (four chapters on food and beverages)===

The last ''Chatushka'' of the [[Sutra Sthana]] is ''Annapana Chatushka''.  

The last ''Chatushka'' is ''Annapana Chatushka''.  

* The first chapter, [[Yajjah Purushiya]], brings forth the important perspective of the origin of human beings and the origin of diseases. This chapter also describes 155 entities (''Agrya'',or entities considered best in their category of drugs, food articles, bio-purification procedures, etc.)that are important for healthy as well as diseased individuals.  

* The first chapter, [[Yajjah Purushiya]], brings forth the important perspective of the origin of human beings and the origin of diseases. This chapter also describes 155 entities (''Agrya'',or entities considered best in their category of drugs, food articles, bio-purification procedures, etc.)that are important for healthy as well as diseased individuals.  

* The next chapter [[Atreyabhadrakapyiya]], describes in detail the concept of Ayurvedic pharmacology in the form of ''rasa'' (taste), ''veerya''(drug potency), and ''vipaka''(final conversion of food/drug after the action of ''jatharagni''(digestive power) and ''prabhava''(specific action of a drug). This chapter also throws light on the important concept of ''viruddha ahara''(incompatible diet) which seems to be the primary cause of many diseases even today.  

* The next chapter [[Atreyabhadrakapyiya]], describes in detail the concept of Ayurvedic pharmacology in the form of ''rasa'' (taste), ''veerya''(drug potency), and ''vipaka''(final conversion of food/drug after the action of ''jatharagni''(digestive power) and ''prabhava''(specific action of a drug). This chapter also throws light on the important concept of ''viruddha ahara''(incompatible diet) which seems to be the primary cause of many diseases even today.  

* The first of these two chapters, [[Dashapranayataneeya]], deals with the ten locations in the human body where ''Prana''(life) resides. Besides this important concept, the chapter also details the attributes of a ''pranabhisaravaidya''(a physician who protects the life) and a ''rogabhisaravaidya'' (a physician who aggravates the disease and takes away the life of the patient).  

* The first of these two chapters, [[Dashapranayataneeya]], deals with the ten locations in the human body where ''Prana''(life) resides. Besides this important concept, the chapter also details the attributes of a ''pranabhisaravaidya''(a physician who protects the life) and a ''rogabhisaravaidya'' (a physician who aggravates the disease and takes away the life of the patient).  

* The last chapter of [[Sutra Sthana]], [[Arthedashmahamooliya]], deals with a variety of subjects such as the importance of ''Arth'' (hridaya-heart), ten major blood vessels or channels from the heart, the definition of ''ayu'' (combination of four entities i.e. body, mind, soul and senses) and its four types, Ayurveda, the aim of Ayurvedic science,and its method of study etc.

* The last chapter, [[Arthedashmahamooliya]], deals with a variety of subjects such as the importance of ''Arth'' (hridaya-heart), ten major blood vessels or channels from the heart, the definition of ''ayu'' (combination of four entities i.e. body, mind, soul and senses) and its four types, Ayurveda, the aim of Ayurvedic science,and its method of study etc.

===Logical format of section===

===Logical format of section===

The name of each chapter of [[Sutra Sthana]] has its own significance. It either describes the main content of the chapter, the first topic described in that chapter, or the first word of that chapter. All the chapters are written in the same prose and poetry format. Each chapter ends with a summarizing verse or ''Tatrashloka''(chapter summary). In some places, the prose is followed by poetry describing the same topic, such as ''Bhavati Cha Atra''(the topic first described in prose is then described in poetry format). Various parameters have been used while constructing the ''shlokas'' of the [[Sutra Sthana]], denoting the command of the author over Sanskrit. The chapters of [[Charak Samhita]] are written in various styles, including as a dialogue (or a question-answer session) between the sage Atreya and his disciple, Agnivesha, or discussions among an assembly of sages. In fact, on reading the [[Charak Samhita]], one can find four type of ''sutras'' - ''Guru sutras'' (by the sage Atreya), ''Shishyasutras'' (by Agnivesha, the disciple or ''shishya'' of Atreya), ''Pratisankartu sutras'' (by Charak), and ''Ekiyasutras''(anonymous).  

The name of each chapter of Sutra Sthana has its own significance. It either describes the main content of the chapter, the first topic described in that chapter, or the first word of that chapter. All the chapters are written in the same prose and poetry format. Each chapter ends with a summarizing verse or ''Tatrashloka''(chapter summary). In some places, the prose is followed by poetry describing the same topic, such as ''Bhavati Cha Atra''(the topic first described in prose is then described in poetry format). Various parameters have been used while constructing the ''shlokas'', denoting the command of the author over Sanskrit. The chapters are written in various styles, including as a dialogue (or a question-answer session) between the sage Atreya and his disciple, Agnivesha, or discussions among an assembly of sages. In fact, on reading the Charak Samhita, one can find four type of ''sutras'' - ''Guru sutras'' (by the sage Atreya), ''Shishyasutras'' (by Agnivesha, the disciple or ''shishya'' of Atreya), ''Pratisankartu sutras'' (by Charak), and ''Ekiyasutras''(anonymous).  

Like in most sections of the [[Charak Samhita]], the [[Sutra Sthana]] also reads as a free-flow text, with each chapter linked logically with the preceding and succeeding chapters in some way.

Like in most sections, the [[Sutra Sthana]] also reads as a free-flow text, with each chapter linked logically with the preceding and succeeding chapters in some way.

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