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Line 31: − === Introduction ===+ − ===Sanskrit text, transliteration and english translation===+ Line 54:
Line 54: − We shall now expound the chapter on “The ten great vessels having their roots in the heart”. Thus said Lord Atreya. [1-2]+ − ==== Importance of ''hridaya'' (heart) ====+ Line 123:
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Line 1,196: − === References ===+ − === Glossary === − #''Dhamanī /Dhamanyah'': A kind of blood vessel that pulsates; ''Dhamanyah'' originate in the heart and may carry different substances like ''Rasa, Rakta,'' and ''Ojas''. − #''Hridaya'': The heart; According to Suśruta, ''Phupphusa'' (left lung) and ''Pleeha'' (spleen) are situated on the left side of ''Hridaya'', whereas ''Yakrita'' (liver) and ''Klomia'' (right lung) on the right side. A few scholars suggest that the term ''Hridaya'' means ‘central’ or ‘vital’ organ, and therefore, can stand for different organs in different contexts. − #''Ojas'': The essence of all seven ''dhatus'' that is vital for life; also suggestive of ''bala'' (immunity). The ten attributes of ''ojas'' are ''guru'' (heavy), ''sheeta'' (cold), ''mridu'' (soft), ''shlakshna'' (smooth), ''bahala'' (abundant), ''madhura'' (sweet), ''sthira'' (stable), ''prasanna'' (bright), ''picchila'' (sticky), and ''snigdha'' (unctuous). Functionally this is very closely related to ''kapha''. − #''Rasa'': The first ''dhatu'' among the seven ''dhatavah'' (or ''dhatus''). This is a liquid that is pumped out of ''hridaya'' (heart), and that circulates continuously all over the body to nourish the other ''dhatavah''. ''Vyana Vayu'' and ''Samana Vayu'' help in its circulation. The major function of ''rasa dhatu'' is ''prinana'' (nourishing). − #''Sira / Sirah'': A kind of blood vessel that transports the contents from one place to another; According to Vagbhata, they originate in the heart. They carry various substances including ''Rasa, Rakta,'' and ''Ojas''. − #''Srotas / Srotamsi'': Structures meant for the transportation of ''dhatus'' that are undergoing the process of transformation. The appearance of a ''srota'' is similar to the ''dhatu'' that it transports. These are of two types: ''Sthula'' (gross), and ''Anu'' or ''Sukshma'' (minute). This term is also suggestive of a kind of vessel that facilitates the fluid exchange. Sushruta states that there are eleven pairs of ''srotamsi'' (channels) that transport eleven different biological entities: ''Prana, Anna, Udaka, Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Meda,'' ''Mutra, Purisha, Shukra,'' and ''Artava''. Charak explains that there are thirteen gross ''Srotamsi'' in the body that carry the following entities: ''Prana, Anna, Udaka, Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Meda, Asthi, Majja, Shukra, Mutra, Purisha,'' and ''Sveda''.
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|title=Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya
|title=Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya
|titlemode=append
|titlemode=append
|keywords=Hṛidaya, ojas, shira, dhamani, srotas, classification of Ayu
|keywords=Hṛidaya, ojas, shira, dhamani, srotas, classification of Ayu, ayurveda, quality of life, good life, happy life, beneficial life, charak Samhita.
|description=Sutra Sthana Chapter 30. The Ten great vessels arising from Heart and aspects of healthy life
|description=Sutra Sthana Chapter 30. The Ten great vessels arising from Heart and aspects of healthy life
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== Introduction ==
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''Mahat'' and ''artha'' are two synonyms that indicate ''hridaya'' (heart), used in this context exclusively in the literature related to medical science and not elsewhere. After the description of ''hridaya'' and the ten great vessels that originate there and elaborating further on ''ojas, shira, dhamani, strotas,'' etc., it further describes ''Ayu'' and the difference between happy, unhappy, beneficial, and non-beneficial kinds of life. These were briefly mentioned in the first chapter, but here these have been elaborated. The estimation of the lifespan of an individual when unexpected signs and symptoms appear and the role of self-realization and nonviolence in enhancing the longevity of life has been elaborated. Questions like ‘Why is [[Ayurveda]] eternal?’ have been taken up in this chapter. Since this is the last chapter of the [[Sutra Sthana]], it also provides an extensive ‘Table of Contents' of the entire text including an elaborate explanation of the sequence of chapters.
''Mahat'' and ''artha'' are two synonyms that indicate ''hridaya'' (heart), used in this context exclusively in the literature related to medical science and not elsewhere. After the description of ''hridaya'' and the ten great vessels that originate there and elaborating further on ''ojas, shira, dhamani, strotas,'' etc., it further describes ''Ayu'' and the difference between happy, unhappy, beneficial, and non-beneficial kinds of life. These were briefly mentioned in the first chapter, but here these have been elaborated. The estimation of the lifespan of an individual when unexpected signs and symptoms appear and the role of self-realization and nonviolence in enhancing the longevity of life has been elaborated. Questions like ‘Why is [[Ayurveda]] eternal?’ have been taken up in this chapter. Since this is the last chapter of the [[Sutra Sthana]], it also provides an extensive ‘Table of Contents' of the entire text including an elaborate explanation of the sequence of chapters.
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==Sanskrit text, transliteration and english translation==
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Now I will expound the chapter on “The ten great vessels having their roots in the heart”. Thus said Lord Atreya. [1-2]
=== Importance of ''hridaya'' (heart) ===
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The heart sustains tactile perception, life, and body. That the heart is the supreme location of ''ojas'' and the locus of consciousness is the reason why physicians call it ''hridaya, mahat,'' or ''artha''. [7]
The heart sustains tactile perception, life, and body. That the heart is the supreme location of ''ojas'' and the locus of consciousness is the reason why physicians call it ''hridaya, mahat,'' or ''artha''. [7]
=== The importance of ''ojas'' and its seat at heart ===
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The heart, the great vessels, and the ''ojas'' need to be protected and preserved. To achieve this, one has to avoid causes of mental suffering especially. Diet, drugs, and behavior that are beneficial for the heart, for the formation of ''ojas'' and for keeping the vessels clear (or unblocked) should be adopted, along with the pursuit of mental peace and wisdom. [13-14]
The heart, the great vessels, and the ''ojas'' need to be protected and preserved. To achieve this, one has to avoid causes of mental suffering especially. Diet, drugs, and behavior that are beneficial for the heart, for the formation of ''ojas'' and for keeping the vessels clear (or unblocked) should be adopted, along with the pursuit of mental peace and wisdom. [13-14]
=== Best factors for life ===
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=== The method of learning text of [[Ayurveda]] ===
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=== ''Prashnashtak'' (eight questions) ===
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Again, when the questions arise as to which among the four ''vedas– rk, sama, yajus'' and ''atharva'', should scholars of [[Ayurveda]] follow? What is ''Ayu''? Why is the body of knowledge called [[Ayurveda]]? What is the purpose of [[Ayurveda]]? Is it eternal or transient? What are its branches and how many are they? Who are eligible to study it and why should it be studied? (An ideal practitioner should be able to answer these questions in the manner mentioned in the following verse) [20]
Again, when the questions arise as to which among the four ''vedas– rk, sama, yajus'' and ''atharva'', should scholars of [[Ayurveda]] follow? What is ''Ayu''? Why is the body of knowledge called [[Ayurveda]]? What is the purpose of [[Ayurveda]]? Is it eternal or transient? What are its branches and how many are they? Who are eligible to study it and why should it be studied? (An ideal practitioner should be able to answer these questions in the manner mentioned in the following verse) [20]
=== Source of [[Ayurveda]] ===
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Out of the four ''vedas'' – ''rk, yajus, sama,'' and ''atharva'' - physicians owe their loyalty to the ''Atharva Veda'' because this deals with the treatment of diseases by resorting to various practices like sacrifices, prayers, and chants, charity, moral discipline, the atonement of sins, austere practices like fasts, etc. These are advocated for treatment as well as for living a healthy, long life. [21]
Out of the four ''vedas'' – ''rk, yajus, sama,'' and ''atharva'' - physicians owe their loyalty to the ''Atharva Veda'' because this deals with the treatment of diseases by resorting to various practices like sacrifices, prayers, and chants, charity, moral discipline, the atonement of sins, austere practices like fasts, etc. These are advocated for treatment as well as for living a healthy, long life. [21]
=== The meaning of Ayu ===
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After answering question on ''Veda'', ''Ayu'' is being described. ''Ayu'' means the ''anuvritti'' (continuity) of ''chetana'' (consciousness) i.e., ''chetananuvritti'', being alive (''jeevita''), bonding with the body (''anubandha'') and sustenance of life (''dhari''). [22]
After answering question on ''Veda'', ''Ayu'' is being described. ''Ayu'' means the ''anuvritti'' (continuity) of ''chetana'' (consciousness) i.e., ''chetananuvritti'', being alive (''jeevita''), bonding with the body (''anubandha'') and sustenance of life (''dhari''). [22]
=== Scope of [[Ayurveda]] ===
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=== Characteristics of happy and healthy life ===
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=== Signs of decreasing life span ===
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The decrease of lifespan is signaled by various abnormal changes in the sensory perception, in the objects of perception, in mind, in the intellect, and in movement. These signals help in predicting the death of an individual at a particular moment or time or day, after three days, five days, a week or ten days and after a fortnight, a month, six months or a year. ''Svabhava'' (return to the natural state), ''uparama'' of ''pravritti'' (cessation of all activities), ''marana'' (death), ''anityata'' (temporary state) ''nirodha'' (restriction in the continuation of life)- all these are synonymous with death. In the absence of such signs and symptoms, the life span is to be determined as unlimited from the prognostic point of view. In [[Ayurveda]], life span is determined by characteristics of natural constitution.[25]
The decrease of lifespan is signaled by various abnormal changes in the sensory perception, in the objects of perception, in mind, in the intellect, and in movement. These signals help in predicting the death of an individual at a particular moment or time or day, after three days, five days, a week or ten days and after a fortnight, a month, six months or a year. ''Svabhava'' (return to the natural state), ''uparama'' of ''pravritti'' (cessation of all activities), ''marana'' (death), ''anityata'' (temporary state) ''nirodha'' (restriction in the continuation of life)- all these are synonymous with death. In the absence of such signs and symptoms, the life span is to be determined as unlimited from the prognostic point of view. In [[Ayurveda]], life span is determined by characteristics of natural constitution.[25]
=== Objectives of [[Ayurveda]] ===
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=== Eternal qualities of [[Ayurveda]] ===
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=== Eight branches of [[Ayurveda]] ===
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[[Ayurveda]] has eight branches viz., 1. Internal Medicine, 2. The science is of diseases specific to the supra-clavicular region, i.e., Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) + Ophthalmology 3. Surgery, 4. Toxicology, 5. Psychiatry 6. Pediatrics, 7. The science of rejuvenation and 8. The science of sexual medicine. [28]
[[Ayurveda]] has eight branches viz., 1. Internal Medicine, 2. The science is of diseases specific to the supra-clavicular region, i.e., Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) + Ophthalmology 3. Surgery, 4. Toxicology, 5. Psychiatry 6. Pediatrics, 7. The science of rejuvenation and 8. The science of sexual medicine. [28]
=== Learners of [[Ayurveda]] and their objectives ===
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=== Eight segments to be learned in [[Ayurveda]] ===
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Along these lines the query should be dealt by quoting the text, interpreting it and explanation of its various aspects. [30]
Along these lines the query should be dealt by quoting the text, interpreting it and explanation of its various aspects. [30]
=== Classical text and its object ===
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''Shakha, Vidya, Sutra, Jnana, Shastra, Lakshana,'' and ''Tantra'' are synonyms of [[Ayurveda]]. The purpose of this science has been explained in its definition. Various topics discussed in this science are Anatomy-Physiology, Dietetics, Etiology, Disease, Treatment for attainment of health, Chronobiology, Physicians, Therapies, and Procedures. These are ten aspects that will be explained in this treatise. [31-32]
''Shakha, Vidya, Sutra, Jnana, Shastra, Lakshana,'' and ''Tantra'' are synonyms of [[Ayurveda]]. The purpose of this science has been explained in its definition. Various topics discussed in this science are Anatomy-Physiology, Dietetics, Etiology, Disease, Treatment for attainment of health, Chronobiology, Physicians, Therapies, and Procedures. These are ten aspects that will be explained in this treatise. [31-32]
=== Sections and their objects ===
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=== Summary ===
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=== ''Tattva Vimarsha'' / Fundamental Principles===
== Tattva Vimarsha (Fundamental Principles)==
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*The heart is a vital organ with ten channels, circulating ''ojas'', responsible for maintaining life.
*The heart is a vital organ with ten channels, circulating ''ojas'', responsible for maintaining life.
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=== ''Vidhi Vimarsha'' / Applied Inferences===
== Vidhi Vimarsha (Applied Inferences) ==
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There are a few compelling similarities between ancient Greek medical literature and [[Ayurveda]]. However, ‘which school of medicine borrowed these ideas from whom?' - Has been an unresolved mystery. Some of the ideas that are significantly common to these two systems are humorism, the mechanism of blood formation, breathing, and circulation. One of the points that are widely debated in this context is the supremacy of brain versus the supremacy of heart. It looks like Hippocrates, Aristotle, Erasistratus and Galen had this confusion over the exact functions of the heart and the brain. They ascribed to the heart the functions such as perception of the sensations, motor control, intellect, emotions, etc. The above verse may be read with this background in mind. <ref name=ref1>Patwardhan K. The history of the discovery of blood circulation: unrecognized contributions of [[Ayurveda]] masters. Adv Physiol Educ. 2012 Jun;36(2):77-82. doi: 10.1152/advan.00123.2011. </ref> Another explanation could, however, be that these vital entities are functionally dependent on the heart, though not exactly located there.
There are a few compelling similarities between ancient Greek medical literature and [[Ayurveda]]. However, ‘which school of medicine borrowed these ideas from whom?' - Has been an unresolved mystery. Some of the ideas that are significantly common to these two systems are humorism, the mechanism of blood formation, breathing, and circulation. One of the points that are widely debated in this context is the supremacy of brain versus the supremacy of heart. It looks like Hippocrates, Aristotle, Erasistratus and Galen had this confusion over the exact functions of the heart and the brain. They ascribed to the heart the functions such as perception of the sensations, motor control, intellect, emotions, etc. The above verse may be read with this background in mind. <ref name=ref1>Patwardhan K. The history of the discovery of blood circulation: unrecognized contributions of [[Ayurveda]] masters. Adv Physiol Educ. 2012 Jun;36(2):77-82. doi: 10.1152/advan.00123.2011. </ref> Another explanation could, however, be that these vital entities are functionally dependent on the heart, though not exactly located there.
Unlike various healthcare systems available today, [[Ayurveda]] is unique in its broad approach to health in particular and life in general. Besides managing diseases, its primary aim is to improve the quality of health and thus, prevention of diseases. [[Ayurveda]] considers myriad factors affecting human health in societies – at a macro or gross level – as well as at an individual (or micro level). Since each has a different ''Prakriti'' (body type), the factors favoring health have been systematically classified so that a healthcare provider can choose those factors by the person's body type and guide him/her to achieve a state of optimum health while preventing diseases. Similarly, in the case of diseases, personalized treatment with minimal side effects can be provided through [[Ayurveda]]. In the current world, where diseases, especially cancer, antibiotic resistant infections and autoimmune diseases are rapidly increasing, it is important to understand what health is and how to prevent disease. Sushruta has defined health as "a state of a dynamic equilibrium between entities that constitute a human being such as ''doshas, agni, dhatu, mala, atma, indriya,'' and ''manas''." These factors have been elaborated at different relevant places in chapters of [[Charak Samhita]].
Unlike various healthcare systems available today, [[Ayurveda]] is unique in its broad approach to health in particular and life in general. Besides managing diseases, its primary aim is to improve the quality of health and thus, prevention of diseases. [[Ayurveda]] considers myriad factors affecting human health in societies – at a macro or gross level – as well as at an individual (or micro level). Since each has a different ''Prakriti'' (body type), the factors favoring health have been systematically classified so that a healthcare provider can choose those factors by the person's body type and guide him/her to achieve a state of optimum health while preventing diseases. Similarly, in the case of diseases, personalized treatment with minimal side effects can be provided through [[Ayurveda]]. In the current world, where diseases, especially cancer, antibiotic resistant infections and autoimmune diseases are rapidly increasing, it is important to understand what health is and how to prevent disease. Sushruta has defined health as "a state of a dynamic equilibrium between entities that constitute a human being such as ''doshas, agni, dhatu, mala, atma, indriya,'' and ''manas''." These factors have been elaborated at different relevant places in chapters of [[Charak Samhita]].
=== Estimation of life span ===
As indicated earlier in this chapter and preceding chapters, [[Ayurveda]] is that source of knowledge which teaches and deals with ''Ayu'' (life). How so? By its characteristics, it imparts knowledge of joy and suffering, benefit and harm, and authentic/authoritative and unauthentic/unreliable (sources of information). It is also that body of knowledge which informs us about long life and short life (i.e., lifespan) and substances with its properties & actions that decide a person’s longevity.
As indicated earlier in this chapter and preceding chapters, [[Ayurveda]] is that source of knowledge which teaches and deals with ''Ayu'' (life). How so? By its characteristics, it imparts knowledge of joy and suffering, benefit and harm, and authentic/authoritative and unauthentic/unreliable (sources of information). It is also that body of knowledge which informs us about long life and short life (i.e., lifespan) and substances with its properties & actions that decide a person’s longevity.
The end of a life span is signaled by the abnormal changes in the sensory perception, in the objects of perception, in mind, in the intellect, and in movement. These signals help in the prediction of the death of an individual at a particular moment or time or day, after three days, five days, a week or ten days and after a fortnight, a month, six months or a year. ''Svabhāva'' (return to the natural state), ''uparama'' of ''pravriti'' (cessation of all activities), ''maraṇa'' (death), ''anityata'' (temporary state), ''nirodha'' (restriction in the continuation of life)- all these are synonymous with death. This is at the end of life. In the absence of such signs and symptoms, the life span is to be determined as unlimited from the prognostic point of view. In [[Ayurveda]], the life span is determined by nature of the physique, constitution, and special signs. The purpose of this Science ([[Ayurveda]]) is to preserve the health of the healthy and cure the disease of the unhealthy.
The end of a life span is signaled by the abnormal changes in the sensory perception, in the objects of perception, in mind, in the intellect, and in movement. These signals help in the prediction of the death of an individual at a particular moment or time or day, after three days, five days, a week or ten days and after a fortnight, a month, six months or a year. ''Svabhāva'' (return to the natural state), ''uparama'' of ''pravriti'' (cessation of all activities), ''maraṇa'' (death), ''anityata'' (temporary state), ''nirodha'' (restriction in the continuation of life)- all these are synonymous with death. This is at the end of life. In the absence of such signs and symptoms, the life span is to be determined as unlimited from the prognostic point of view. In [[Ayurveda]], the life span is determined by nature of the physique, constitution, and special signs. The purpose of this Science ([[Ayurveda]]) is to preserve the health of the healthy and cure the disease of the unhealthy.
=== Non-violence and other factors for sustaining life ===
Leading a righteous, non-violent life bestows longevity in human beings while maintaining harmony within societies and the environment at large. As discussed earlier in this (and the preceding) chapter, Valor is the best value among those that promote strength; knowledge is one thing that should always be increased; self-control should always be exercised to stay happy; discovery/understanding/realization helps the most in creating a feeling of exaltation/ecstasy, while celibacy is the most important attribute necessary in the path to self-realization, as per the view of Ayurvedic scholars.
Leading a righteous, non-violent life bestows longevity in human beings while maintaining harmony within societies and the environment at large. As discussed earlier in this (and the preceding) chapter, Valor is the best value among those that promote strength; knowledge is one thing that should always be increased; self-control should always be exercised to stay happy; discovery/understanding/realization helps the most in creating a feeling of exaltation/ecstasy, while celibacy is the most important attribute necessary in the path to self-realization, as per the view of Ayurvedic scholars.
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== References ==
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