AYUSHDHARA ISSN: 2393-9583 (P)/ 2393-9591 (O)

An International Journal of Research in AYUSH and Allied Systems

Review Article

SIGNIFICANCE OF SANSKRIT SAHITYA AND DARSHANA IN AYURVEDIC LITERATURE

Verity Markhap1*, Khagen Basumatary2, Clarity Markhap3
*1Lecturer, Sanskrit Samhita & Siddhant, NEIAH, Shillong, India.
2Professor and HOD, P.G. Dept Samhita Siddhanta Govt. Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Guwahati, Assam, India.
3BAMS Scholar, Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Ayurveda College & Hospital, Tamilnadu.

Article info ABSTRACT

Article History:
Bhasha or language is the most important media of communication for the human race since
Received: 01-05-2024
ages, Various languages as per their specific region adapts a unique style of
Accepted: 27-05-2024
Published: 10-07-2024
grammaticalization. Sanskrit, known as the language of Gods is the oldest language with the
most scientific grammaticalization. Ayurveda, the science of life has been narrated and pass
KEYWORDS:
down since ages by virtue of Sanskrit. The Ayurvedic Tantras are composed in Sanskrit
Sanskrit Sahitya,
Darshana,
Shlokas, these verse are studied and analysed for acquiring the proper knowledge of
Ayurvedic Tantras. Ayurveda. Without the Sanskrit language, it is unthinkable of obtaining the knowledge of
Ayurvedic healing. The newfangled ventures in the field of literature has re-highlighted the
old languages and their learning techniques, Sanskrit is studied in many educational institute
for its scientific ethnicity and diversity. Similarly, Sanskrit in Ayurvedic literature needs to be
upgraded and highlighted efficiently. Profuse concepts applied in the system of Ayurveda, are
kindred with Sanskrit literature. These, concept when studied culminated in highlighting the
importance of Sanskrit Sahitya in Ayurveda.

INTRODUCTION
Sanskrit Devabhasha (language of the Gods) is towards the treatment of the psycho-somatic disease
considered to be the backbone of Ayurvedic literature. as a whole.[1]
Ayurveda composes of Sanskrit poetic verses dating कायवाग्बुिििवषया ये मलााः समुविथथतााः ।
about 5000 year ago. These Sanskrit verses known as
Sutras, acts as codes for the Ayurvedic scholars, the ििककत्सालक्षणाध्यात्मशास्त्रैथतेषाां िवशुियाः ।।
entire sciences of Ayurveda has been propagated and (वाक्यपदीयम्/ब्रह्मकाण्ड 137)
pass down via thorough study of these Sanskrit verses. According to Acharya Bhartrihari, the defects
Therefore, it is near to impossible to study the science that arise in the body, language and intellect are
of Ayurveda without knowing Sanskrit language. purified through medical science, grammar, science
Ayurveda is a sacred precept of rule or and spirituality. All the ancient knowledge related to
commandments which guides us about the all aspects life contains in Ayurveda, whose language is Sanskrit,
of life. It is not only a system of treatment, In recent hence Sanskrit knowledge is absolutely necessary for
years a renewed interest, has been shown by many attaining the complete science of Ayurveda.
people throughout the world, to know more about the MATERIAL AND METHOD
contribution that have been made or that can be made All the detailed review of concepts available in
in future, by the Indian system of medicine (Ayurveda) the texts of Ayurveda and Darshana was carried out to
Access this article online highlight and interpret the importance of Sanskrit
Quick Response Code Sahitya and Darshan in Ayurveda.
https://doi.org/10.47070/ayushdhara.v11i3.1641 Ayurvedic literature consists of concepts and
theories embedded deeply in Sanskrit language,
Published by Mahadev Publications (Regd.)
publication licensed under a Creative Commons consisting of various Ayurvedic treatises, Ayurveda
Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 Darshana and other related texts. It is observed that
International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) these concepts are interrelated and interlinked with
Sanskrit Literature. Therefore, Ayurveda forms an
integral part of Sanskrit Sahitya.
AYUSHDHARA | May-June 2024 | Vol 11 | Issue 3 262
 Verity Markhap et al. Significance of Sanskrit Sahitya and Darshana in Ayurvedic Literature
1. Nirukti of Ayurveda: The word Ayurveda consist of (Sthuna), so also the body is based on this
two Sanskrit word. ‘Ayu’ meaning life and ‘Veda’ Tristhuna (Vata, Pitta and Kapha). These Tridoshas
meaning knowledge. According to Sushruta Acharya are the three basic humours governing the body,
he defines Ayurveda as means through which life their equilibrium leads to Health and
can be attained.[2] disequilibrium results in disease state. The
According to Charaya Acharya, Ayurveda is the Tridosha are of two types, Shareerika (somatic) and
science where Hitayu (advantageous life), Ahitayu Mansika (psychic). Again Shareerika dosha is of 3
(harmful life), Sukhayu (life full of happiness) and types, viz., Vata, Pitta and Kapha, Mansika dosha
Dukhayu (life full of sorrows) along with what is means which is psychic in nature is of 2 type, viz.,
good and bad life, is measured and life itself are Rajas and Tamas.[5]
described[3].  Theory of Samanya and Visesha: Theory of
2. Aim of Ayurveda: Ayurveda aims at attaining generic concomitance and variant categories,
health by focussing importance on preventive where it states that similarity leads to increase and
health first, followed by curative health. dissimilar results in decrease.
3. Astanga Ayurveda: There are 8 branches of  Theory of Swabhavoparama (Vada): Theory of
Ayurveda namely, Kayachikitsa (internal Automatic normalcy or Natural destruction,
medicine), Salya Tantra (surgery), Salakya Tantra disturbance in the equilibrium of the causative
(oto-rhino-laryngology including opthalmology), factors cause imbalance of Dhatus (tissue
Agada Tantra (toxicology), Bhuta Vidya elements) of the body. Conversely, the
(psychosomatic disorders), Kaumarbhritya maintenance of the former equilibrium maintains
(pediatrics), Rasayana Tantra (rejuvenation the latter’s balance. However, the Dhatus (tissue
therapy) and Vajikarana Tantra (science of elements) come to normalcy automatically
aphrodisiacs). irrespective of any external causative factor.
4. Ayurveda and Veda: Through different aspects of 6. Ayurveda darshana[6]: Ayurveda is influenced by
knowledge which are described in all the Vedas, the Darshana shastra to provide knowledge about
Dhanurveda (the science of Archery), certain facts of life. Darshana is the systematic
Gandharvaveda (the science of fine arts), Sthapatya developed philosophy, it is the media through which
Veda (the science of architecture) and Ayurveda the reality of the world can be viewed. Darshana has
(the science of life and medicine) are considered to been classified into three groups of philosophy,
be Upvedas or subsidiary subjects of Rk, Yajur, Astika (believe in God and authenticity of Veda),
Sama and Atharva veda respectively. According to Nastika (do not believe in God and authenticity of
Sushruta and Kashyapa, Ayurveda is the Upaveda of Veda) and Astika-Nastika (Intermediate group who
Atharva Veda. Some ancient scholars consider believe in God and Moksha but not on authenticity
Ayurveda as the fifth and independent of the four of Veda). Ayurveda comes under Astika Darshana,
Vedas.[4] there are many concept adopted from Darshana.
5. Ayurveda Siddhant: Few of the Basic principle of  Vaisheshika Darshan: Also known as Aulukya
Ayurveda, constitute an integral part of Ayurvedic Darshana and Kanada Darshana propounded by
literature. Maharishi Kanada. The Shad Padarth concept of
 Panchamahabhuta Theory: According to Ayurveda where Samanya, Vishesha, Guna, Dravya,
Ayurveda, body of an individual is composed of five Karma and Vishesha are the 6 Padarth is a
elements. Everything in this world is composed of contribution of Vaisheshika Darshan. Among the 41
these five basic elements known as Pancha Guna of Ayurveda, 22 are the Guna given as per
mahabhuta, namely Prithwi, Ap, Teja, Vayu and Vaisheshika Darshana. It has also contributed other
Akasha equivalent to Earth, water, fire, air and concept like Nava Karana Dravya, Pilu paka,
space. Parmanu Vada which are one of the important
 Tridosha Siddhant: The doctrine of ‘Tridosha theories of Ayurveda.
Theory’ is available since the vedik literature. In  Nyaya Darshana: Propounded by Akshapada
Atharva Veda, the terminology like – Vataja, Gautam, Nyaya Darshana has given Ayurveda
Sushma and Abhraja which refers to the Vata, Pitta important principles like 16 Padarth, 44 Vada
amd Kapha theory of Ayurveda. In Rigveda, the marg, Nava karana Drayva, Pithar paka, Pramanas,
terminologies like ‘Tridhatu’ which refers to Vata, Arambha Vada.
Pitta and Kapha system of the body. Maharshi  Sankhya Darshana: Sankhya Darshan written by
Sushruta called it as ‘Tristhuna’ by citing the Maharshi Kapila has propagated concept like Sristi
illustration that, like the house is based on pillars
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 AYUSHDHARA, 2024;11(3):262-265
Utpatti (25 Tattvas), Parinama Vada, Satkarya Adhyaapana (teaching), Sambhasha vidhi
Vada which are adopted by Ayurveda. (discussion or Samvaada ). [8]

 Yoga Darshana: Acharya Patanjali is thought to be  Vadamarga: As one of the learning methods is
the originator of Yoga Darshana. Yama- Niyama Sambhasha Vidhi (discussion), Vada are the
practices of Yoga constitute the Sadvritta said in methods for discussion. Vadamarga are the 44
Ayurveda. Yoga asta Siddhi are also accepted in terms used for establishing new insight during a
Ayurveda. The Pramanas- Pratyaksha and discussion. These 44 steps when analysed, they
Aptopadesha are accepted by both Ayurveda and collectively includes the various research steps
Yoga Darshana. utilised during research process.[9]
 Purva meemamsa: Also known as Karma  Tantrayukti: The Shastra are composed with the
meemamsa, it has been explained by Maharshi help of Tantrayukti which are the rules laid down
Jaimini. Ayurveda follows the concept of Karma for literary work. Each of the Tantrayukti defines
and Karmaphala as explained in Purva meemamsa. certain writing and scripting methodology
Veda karma kand of Meemamsa is accepted by correlated with research methodology.[10]
Ayurveda, it consist of Bala Graha Chikitsa, वाक्सौष्ठवेऽथथिवज्ञाने प्रागल्भ्ये कमथनैपुणे। तद्यासे ि िसिौ ि
Rasayana Vidhi, Sukha Prasava, Sadachara etc. यतेताध्ययनान्तगाः ।। (सु.सू. 3/56)
 Uttara meemamsa: It is also known as Vedanta Acharya Sushruta has given priority to the
Darshana. It is propounded by Veda Vyasa beauty of speech among the qualities of a physician.
Maharshi. Concept of Moksha, Tattva-Smriti- For sophisticated speech, a person's knowledge of
Vairagya are similar as in Ayurveda. Importance to Sanskrit grammar is absolutely essential.[11]
Aatma is said in many contexts.
CONCLUSION
 Charvaka Darshana: It is also known as Lokayata
Therefore, the Ayurveda scholars should
Darshana, it is the first and oldest Nastika
always remain engaged in the study of Sanskrit
Darshana and its references are also available in
grammar, so that he can acquire the best knowledge of
Mahabharata and Bhagvata Geeta. While, Ayurveda
Sanskrit grammar. The core of Ayurveda is Samhita, to
accepted only Pratyaksha. Ayurveda has said the
understand the core and deep meanings of Samhita,
importance of Pratyaksha for Roga gyana.
the student must have knowledge of Sanskrit
 Bauddha Darshana: Astika-Nastika Darshana grammar. Although currently Hindi and English
propounded by Gautham Buddha, it has versions of the Samhitas are available, but when we
contributed Kshana bhangur Vada/Santanvada look very deeply, the meanings are not clear at many
compared to the Swabhavoparamaveda. places, in such a situation the Ayurvedic concept
 Jaina Darshana: Swadhyaya and Ahimsa are the remains doubtful. There are various concept of
principles explained in Sadvritta concept of Sanskrit embedded deeply in the Ayurvedic literature
Ayurveda. Both according to Jaina- Guna and when study thoroughly it aids at better understanding
Karma are the Avastha of Dravya. of the Ayurvedic science. Hence, as Ayurveda the
7. Other learning methodology of Samhita science of life has been passed down via the chain of
 Panchaavayava Vakya: Contribution of Charak Sanskrit Shlokas and sutras, its authenticity can be
samhita maintained only when its medium of language i.e
Sanskrit is given importance by the scholars.
थथापना नाम तथया एव प्रततज्ञाया हेतुद्रष्टान्तोपनयतनगमनैाः
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*Address for correspondence
Cite this article as: Dr. Verity Markhap
Verity Markhap, Khagen Basumatary, Clarity Markhap. Significance of Sanskrit Lecturer,
Sahitya and Darshana in Ayurvedic Literature. AYUSHDHARA, 2024;11(3):262-265. Sanskrit Samhita & Siddhant,
https://doi.org/10.47070/ayushdhara.v11i3.1641 NEIAH, Shillong.
Source of support: Nil, Conflict of interest: None Declared Email:
[email protected]

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