A Critical Analysis on ‘Theory of Knowledge’ (Epistemology) of Charaka Samhita and its Importance in Clinical Medicine

Authors

  • Sumana Ray Paul Department of Ayurved Samhita and Siddhanta, Institute of Post Graduate Ayurvedic Education and Research, Shyamadas Vaidya Sastra Pith Hospital, Government of West Bengal, 294/3/1 A.P.C. Road, Kolkata - 700 009, West Bengal, India. Author
  • Sukalyan Ray Associate Professor and Head, Department of Roga Nidan Avum Vikriti Vigyan, Raghunath Ayurved Mahavidyalay and Hospital, Contai, West Bengal, India. Author

Keywords:

Ayurveda, Charaka Samhita, Epistemology, Philosophy, Pramana

Abstract

Introduction: Epistemology, that is, “theory of knowledge” or Pramana Vigyana is considered as one of the three  fundamental division of any philosophy. The metaphysical analysis and ethical conclusion of any philosophical school  depend on its theory of knowledge. Charaka Samhita having a unique philosophical background which is conglomeration  of different philosophical doctrines from all the major Indian philosophical schools also depends on its own epistemology  while propounding the principles of Ayurveda. Understanding the different Pramana, that is, sources of knowledge as  discussed in this compendium helps us to understand the subject better and their subsequent application in clinical medicine  for benefit of mankind. The present study was carried out to evaluate the different Pramana or sources of knowledge as  discussed in Charaka Samhita and also to evaluate their subsequent application in the field of clinical medicine.  Discussion: Charaka Samhita has propounded four principal Pramana such as: (1). Aptopadesha (scriptural  testimony) (2), Pratyaksham (sensory perception) (3), Anumana (inference), and (4). Yukti (reasoning). Along with  these four sources of knowledge, it also discussed other Pramana briefly such as: Aoupamya (comparison), Aitihya (ethical guidance by authoritative persons and scriptures), and Arthaprapti (implied meaning). But throughout  the compendium, Acharya Charaka has given most importance to three Pramana like Aptopadesha followed by  Pratyaksha followed by Anumana. The understandings of all these Pramana are mainly based on Nyaya philosophy  although the chronology follows the Samkhya tradition. What makes the epistemology of Charaka Samhita a unique  one is its clinical implementation as discussed by Acharya Charaka in relation with every Pramana.  Conclusion: Understanding the various Pramana as discussed in Charaka Samhita along with their clinical  implementation helps us to realize the profound philosophical background of this compendium. It also paves the way for  more innovative research as how to apply this eternal knowledge of epistemology for advancement of medical science. 

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2023-09-30

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Vol. 6 No. 9 (2023): International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga (Sep) (2023)

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Paul, S.R., & Ray, S. (2023). A Critical Analysis on ‘Theory of Knowledge’ (Epistemology) of Charaka Samhita and its Importance in Clinical Medicine . International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga, 6(9), 45–55. Retrieved from https://acspublisher.com/journals/index.php/irjay/article/view/12819