For millennia Ayurveda, the ancient medical system of India, has influenced healing. Out of all the classical Ayurvedic texts, the Ashtanga Hridayam has a significant status. This treatise is of equally critical value for Ayurvedic practitioners as it is for anyone trying to live a healthy and balanced life. At CSS Banaras, we hold dear this knowledge, bracing it into conservation, promotion, and transmission to the students, researchers, and health-conscious laypeople.
What is Ashtanga Hridayam?
Ashtanga Hridayam is one of the foundational texts of Ayurveda and was composed by the sage Vagbhata sometime in the 6th century CE. The name itself means “Heart of the Eight Branches (of Ayurveda)”, and consequently is a complete synthesis of all eight branches of ayurvedic medicine in a single text.
Previous ayurvedic texts such as Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita laid down the principles of internal medicine and surgery, respectively, as a Yogic way of life. It waited for Vagbhata to distill the essential teachings of Ayurveda into a text that was both elegantly simple and eminently practical. Vagbhata was a remarkable genius who conveyed a vast body of knowledge through beautiful Sanskrit verses (shlokas) that could easily be memorized and taught.
At CSS Banaras, we offer fine editions and translations of Ashtanga Hridayam to enable the modern learner to delve deeper into this esoteric science.
Structure of Ashtanga Hridayam
The text comprises six main divisions or Sthanas:
Sutrasthana (General Principles):
Principles of Ayurveda, Dinacharya (daily regimen), Ritucharya (seasonal regimen), and dietary rules are covered herein.
Sharirasthana (Anatomy and Physiology):
Discusses how the body is formed, talks about conception and fetal development, and much more.
Nidanasthana (Pathology):
Sets out the various causes, symptoms, and classifications of diseases.
Chikitsasthana (Therapeutics):
Contains the methods of treating various diseases, including the therapies of Panchakarma.
Kalpasthana (Pharmaceutics):
Discusses the preparation of medicines, particularly those that are utilized in detoxification therapies.
Uttarasthana (Special Therapies):
Deals with specialties like ENT, pediatrics, gynecology, and rejuvenation therapy.
This arrangement thus renders Ashtanga Hridayam efficacious enough for practical treatment as well as inclusive enough for theoretical discussion.
Key points in Ashtanga Hridayam
Tridosha Theory: Ayurveda is developed around the concept of balance in three energies or doshas — Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Health is attained when these three are in harmony with each other.
Ahara (Diet): Food is said to be one of the most important factors for maintaining health. The text describes in detail the different qualities of various foods, their effects on the body, and the selection of foods depending on the constitution of a person (Prakriti) or seasons.
Dinacharya and Ritucharya: These are daily and seasonal routines, respectively, to sustain health and prevent diseases. Early rising, tongue scraping, oil pulling, and seasonal detoxifications come under these routines.
Panchakarma Therapies: The therapeutic aspects are largely filled with the five-fold purification therapies or detoxification, rejuvenation – Panchakarma therapies consisting of Vamana – emesis, Virechana – purgation, Basti – enema, Nasya – nasal administration, and Raktamokshana – bloodletting.
Our methodology stresses the theoretical study and practical application of therapies as per classical Ayurveda.
Why study Ashtanga Hridayam?
The study of Ashtanga Hridayam provides a more holistic knowledge of Ayurveda: not only are diseases treated, but it also deals with living in harmony with nature. Preventive methods are overshadowed by cures more often than not. The text outlines a way of life that supports health throughout the entire life: emphasizing balance and awareness in every aspect of life.
CSS Banaras offers students, practitioners, and researchers authentic texts of the Ashtanga Hridayam that have been carefully edited, translated, and easy to follow. We aim to keep the treasure of this Ayurvedic knowledge alive and viable for modern times.
Conclusion
Ashtanga Hridayam is one of Ayurveda’s greatest contributions to the science of living well. It is poetic literature with healing wisdom of thousands of years guiding towards a balanced existence full of peace and vitality.
Be it a beginner of Ayurveda or a seasoned scholar; this beautiful treatise will uplift your stand on health, life, and nature. Explore CSS Banaras for quality books, translations, and resources that help bring the brilliance of the Ashtanga Hridayam Book into your life.
- Ashtanga Hridayam Book : The Essence of Ayurveda with CSS Banaras
- At CSS Banaras, we hold dear this knowledge, bracing it into conservation, promotion, and transmission to the students, researchers, and health-conscious laypeople.
- Ashtanga Hridayam
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