A comprehensive understanding of Ayurveda requires a detailed look at its long history, from its source to the various interpretations it has been subjected to, through the centuries. The original verses of Ayurveda are said to be derived from the consciousness of Lord Brahma the Creator, and carefully internalized by his disciples. These were passed down among the Gods, until they eventually reached the three Great Sages – Dhanwantari (in his Divodasa avatar), Bharadwaja, and Kashyapa – who setup different schools of treatment and thought on Earth.
In the course of time, Ayurveda branched out into three categories, namely Shalya Chikitsa – Surgery, Kaya Chikitsa – General Medicine, and Kaumarabhritya – Paediatrics. These had a huge influence on the way diseases and ailments were approached and treated, as the Sages sought this knowledge in times of great plague and pestilence.
The third important phase of early Ayurvedic history is marked by the composition of the first medical literature on the subject that was invaluable in disseminating Ayurvedic philosophies and treatments across the world.
Mythological origins
Indian mythology has bestowed Ayurveda with a divine aura and stature, considering its premises and precepts as a direct ‘Gift from the Gods’. Ayurveda predates the birth of this land, and traces its roots to the consciousness of Lord Brahma, the Supreme Creator. It is from here that the original Ayurvedic treatise was passed down in stages, until it reached the mighty God of Thunder, Indra.
When the earth and its inhabitants faced countless pestilences and diseases, the three legendary sages, interceded on humanity’s behalf and appealed to the Gods. It is from here that humankind gained the knowledge we cherish and revere today as Ayurveda. The Three Great Sages formed their own schools of thought, and further spread the divine teachings from heaven through their works as well as disciples.
The three Great Sages
Lord Brahma is said to have conceived Ayurveda in his consciousness, and diligently passed it to his disciple Daksha Prajapati, who originated from Lord Brahma’s thumb, and was among the first celestial figures assigned the task of maintaining the universe.
Daksha Prajapati conveyed this treatise to the Ashvins, divine horse-masters who were children of Surya the Sun God. The Ashvins are the Gods of health and medicine, and they passed on the hymns of Ayurveda to Indra, the King of Heaven and Chief among Gods.
The three Great Sages, who brought Ayurveda to the world, received it from Indra, the God of Thunder himself. Thus, the divine lineage of Ayurveda on earth was firmly established, and the process of spreading its lessons to an ailing Planet finally began. Later, each selected a set of students, whose works would further shape the philosophy of Ayurveda. They researched, codified, and created texts that are relevant to this day.
The First Medical Literature
Ayurveda in its modern-day form appears in the age of the Samhitas, which are massive compendiums compiled by disciples of the Three Great Sages. Medical literature and its specialised and detailed approach ensured that generations would gain the fruits of this natural science. Its detailed and methodical approach, now clearly accessible to highly trained vaidyans [physicians], paved the way for the Ayurvedic medical practices that are seen today.
The Ashtanga Hridaya literally translates to “the essence of eight sections” that Ayurveda is divided into and is considered one among the finest texts on the subject. It is said to have been written by the great Sage Vagbhata, and is chronologically placed after the publication of the Charaka Samhita and the Susruta Samhita.
Vagbhata is praised equally for the refined style in which he presented his work. Legend has it that he was born in the erstwhile kingdom of Sind, close to modern-day Karachi. His work shares more similarities in approach with Charaka than Sushruta. He made direct modifications to the previously accepted approach to surgery, and is said to have spent his last days in Kerala, directly contributing to its propagation in Kerala.
Charaka Samhita
Charaka is the renowned author of the oldest surviving text in Ayurveda, the Charaka Samhita. It is believed that his master, Punarvasu Atreya, had seven disciples – Agnivesa, Charaka, Bhela, Jatukarna, Parasara, Harita, and Ksharapaani. Each wrote his own samhita or text, and Agnivesa is said to have had the best version. The revised version of the same is what came to be known as Charaka Samhita.
Our understanding of Ayurveda and its teachings draws straight from the Charaka Samhita, a comprehensive guide that contains details of an overall ideology, approach, treatment methods and general advice for physicians. Its contents are divided into 120 chapters in eight specific Sthanas or partitions. The final two chapters are attributed to Dridhabala, who is said to have been active around the 4th century CE.
Sushruta Samhita
Ayurveda is deeply influenced by Sushruta Samhita (Sushruta’s Compendium), considered one among the three great texts of Ayurvedic medicine alongside the Charaka Samhita, and the Ashtanga Hridaya. Details about the holistic treatment of the patient, with a focus on purification techniques involving blood-letting, and advice to vaidyans on approach to treatment form some of its contents. Sushruta’s works and examples continue to guide practitioners to this day. There are six primary sections of Sushruta Samhita.
Source: Kerala Tourism
