A long time back, dating more than five thousand years, Hindu sages or rishis discovered many secrets of life, and wellness and peace of mind were prominent among them. Thus Ayurveda was born, the healing science bolstered by the serenity that prevailed in sylvan surroundings. The ambiance led to the development of thought, skills, and craftsmanship, and the rishis (saints) took help from nature. The practice of dhyana (meditation) in isolation was typical
to Hindu saints, a path akin to renunciation like the great Buddha followed in search of truth.
Vedic Civilization, a predecessor to present-day Hinduism, experienced intense research and development in a wide spectrum of aspects of our lives. With a conservation ethos and robust lifestyle, the footprints of the Vedic era began to form the backbone of life in the Indian Subcontinent that is still visible overtly or subtly in the people.
Nature worship emanated with the realization that humans are interconnected with biotic and abiotic surroundings, and hence due importance should be accorded. Worshipping of trees, rivers, animals, and Earthly elements is not by any means a juvenile practice as detractors tend to propagate. Exalted or revered status is meant to respect the sanctity of all life forms and elements. This sanctity accorded is a better way to explain their importance in this ecosystem we call Earth. Preservation is the key to a sustainable Earth that stays in equilibrium.
Ayurveda texts can be found in the Vedas and numerous treatises. Sushruta Samhita dates back to 600 BCE is written by the first Indian surgeon who conducted plastic surgery, sutures, and kidney stone extraction. Other treatises are Charaka Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya of Vagbhata, with details of over 700 herbs and 6,000 formulations. Madhav Nidan (~800 AD) provides over 5,000 signs and symptoms. The system developed alongside as Vedas were being scripted, and the texts comprise ample literature on this healing science. Most of the treatise is documented in Atharvaveda with information on the practice and formutaions is found in Charak Samhita and Sushruta Samhita texts as mentioned above.
Numerous books have been written by modern practitioners of this healing system in India. These books can be found in Indian book stores and online websites relating to Ayurveda.
Comments
Thank you!
Ayurvedic practice gives me hope with its all-encompassing approach to the patient. It represents for me the beautiful kindness and wisdom that my parents raised me to regard as true of ancient and modern India.
Instructions are written on the formulations or they are consumed as suggested by the Ayurvedic practitioner.
Would Ayurvedic medicines be consumed all by their lonesomes without drink or food?
Or would they be dosaged with an ordinary drink such as water or a special one such as tea? Or would they be taken with or without ordinary or special food?
I think these are common bases but more dependant upon the practitioner until there is a specific mention of base in a formulation.
Revisiting your article called to mind a question that I had when I first read it.
Under your picture of an ayurveda pestle, you describe the base to formulations as clarified butter, honey or sandalwood paste. Is the base specific to the formulation or may any one of the three work? (I pose the question since I'm partial to honey.)
Yes, we come to know of beneficial aspects of some plants with the use and passage of time. In India work is being done on the capabilities of plants for health benefits as in Ayurveda. More has to be discovered. Very few plants are toxic to humans.
Often plants have positive effects we do not fully understand, but only certain plants.
No I think Shilajit is not replaceable.
pateluday, Thank you for practical information, pretty pictures and product lines.
Ancient peoples such as those of the Indian subcontinent exhibited impressive perception of peoples and things on Earth and of things in the universe.
It's no surprise that ancient Indians would develop ayurveda since they, like their descendants today, respected resources and sentients. Most if not all of the Sanskrit words that I know show among their definitions a sentient animal or plant association.
But back to your article...would any dead plant resin do for shilajit or would some be of greater efficacy and priority than others?