Abstract

PROGRESSIVE MARCH OF AYURVEDA FROM TRISUTRA TO THE CONTEMPORARY SCIENCE OF MEDICINE

Vaibhav Dadu*

ABSTRACT

The journey of Ayurveda from the mythological and divine origin to the present day science of health and medicine is symbolic of the scientific approach of the seers of yore. In the beginning the Ayurveda was only the trisutra form comprising of the hetu (causative factors), linga (characteristics) and aushadha (medicine). The seers have shown their impeccable acumen and skill as they expanded the knowledge vistas as they adopted the pragmatic approach supported by the logical adoption of the tenets of Indian Philosophies mainly the six theistic philosophies. These six philosophical schools have influenced Ayurveda thinking and approach and thus form the foundation of the Basic Principles of Ayurveda. The significant tenets of the Epistemology (Pramana Vijnana) proposed by the philosophy of Nyaya and the theory of transformation (Parinamavada) propounded by the Samkhya form the base of scientific reasoning and development of Ayurveda. Today, there is further advancement in the knowledge in the form of research activity. Thus, there has been a complete and necessary transformation of Ayurveda keeping pace with the contemporary scientific advancements. This paper therefore aims at reviewing this sojourn of Ayurveda which shall suffice to the seekers of Ayurveda knowledge and pave the way for further progression.

Keywords: aushadha, epistemology, hetu, linga, transformation, research, trisutra.