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. 

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Shastri AD. Sushruta Samhita of Maharshi Sushruta. Vol. 1., Sutrasthana, Ch. 1., Verse no. 5. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratisthan; 2012. p. 5.

Sharma PV. Ayurved Ka Vaijnanika Itihas. 7th ed. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Orientalia; 2003. p. 100.

Sharma PV. Ayurved Ka Vaijnanika Itihas. 7th ed. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Orientalia; 2003. p. 119.

Sharma PV. Ayurved Ka Vaijnanika Itihas. 7th ed. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Orientalia; 2003. p. 126-7.

Paul and Ray: Charaka Samhita and its Importance in Clinical Medicine 2023; 6(9):45-55 53

Sinha HP. Bharatiya Darshan Ki Ruprekha. 14th reprint. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishing House; 2023. p. 263.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 2., Vimanasthan, Ch. 4., Verse - 3. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 161.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 1., Sutrasthan, Ch. 11., Verse - 17. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 210.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 2. Vimanasthan, Ch. 4., Verse - 4. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 161.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 2. Vimanasthan, Ch. 8., Verse - 41, 42, 48, 49. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 238-41.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 2. Vimanasthan, Ch. 4., Verse - 9-12. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 169.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 1. Sutrasthan, Ch. 11., Verse - 17. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 210.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 1., Sutrasthan, Ch. 12., Verse – 8. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 237.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 2., Ch. 4., Verse - 3. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 161.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 2., Vimanasthan, Ch. 4., Verse - 4. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 161.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 2., Vimanasthan, Ch. 4., Verse - 5. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 162.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 2., Vimanasthan, Ch. 8., Verse - 33. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 234.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 1., Sutrasthan, Ch. 11., Verse - 26. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 215.

Sharma RK. Sutrasthan. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Chakrapani’s Commentary on Verse. 26., Vol. 1., Ch. 11. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 216.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 2. Vimanasthan, Ch. 4., Verse - 4. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 160.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 1. Sutrasthan, Ch. 11., Verse - 18 - 19. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 210.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed.

Vol. 2., Vimanasthan, Ch. 4., Verse - 4. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 160.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 2., Vimanasthan, Ch. 4. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 160.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 1., Sutrasthan, Ch. 11., Verse - 27. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 215.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 2. Vimanasthan, Ch. 8., Verse - 41. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 238.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 2., Vimanasthan, Ch. 8. Chakrapani’s Commentary on Verse - 41. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 238.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 2., Vimanasthan, Ch. 4., Verse - 5. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 161.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 2., Vimanasthan, Ch. 4. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 161.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 1. Sutrasthan, Ch. 11., Verse - 20. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 211.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 2., Vimanasthan, Ch. 4., Verse- 4. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 160.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 2., Vimanasthan, Ch. 8., Verse - 39. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 238.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 1. Sutrasthan, Ch. 11., Verse - 8. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p.205.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 1. Sutrasthan, Ch. 11., Verse - 7. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 205.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 1., Sutrasthan, Ch. 11., Verse - 8. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 205.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 1., Sutrasthan, Ch. 11., Chakrapani’s Commentary on Verse - 8. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 205.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 2. Vimanasthan, Ch. 4., Verse – 7. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 164.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 1., Sutrasthan, Ch. 11., Verse - 21-22. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 212-3.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh:

Paul and Ray: Charaka Samhita and its Importance in Clinical Medicine 2023; 6(9):45-55

Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 1. Sutrasthan, Ch. 11., Chakrapani’s Commentary on Verse - 21- 22. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 212-3.

Rajaram MG. Nyayasutra of Gautama with Nyayabhashya of Vatsayana. 1st ed., Text No. 1/1/5. Lahore: Bombay Mashani Press; 1921. p. 28.

Rajaram (Trans). Nyayasutra of Gautama with Nyayabhashya of Vatsayana. 1st ed., text no. 1/1/32. Lahore: Bombay Mashani Press; 1921. p. 65.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 2. Vimanasthan, Ch. 8., Verse - 30. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 233.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 2. Vimanasthan, Ch. 8., Verse - 31. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 234.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 2., Vimanasthan, Ch. 8., Verse -33. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 234.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 2., Vimanasthan, Ch. 8., Verse – 34. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 235.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 1., Sutrasthan, Ch. 30., Verse - 18. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 597.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 2., Vimanasthan, Ch. 4., Verse – 7. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 164.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 2., Vimanasthan, Ch. 4., Verse - 8. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 165-6.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 1., Sutrasthan, Ch. 11., Verse - 23-24. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 213.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 1., Sutrasthan, Ch. 11., Verse - 25. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 214.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 1. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 214.

Jha G. The Tattvasangraha of Shantarakshita (with Commentary of Kamalashila). Reprint edition. Text no. 1692-1696. Vol. 2. Delhi: Motilal Banarasidas; 1986. p. 827-8.

Jha G. The Tattvasangraha of Shantarakshita (with commentary of Kamalashila). Reprint edition. Kamalashila’s Commentary on Text no. 1692 - 1696. Vol. 2. Delhi: Motilal Banarasidas; 1986. p. 827-8.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 1., Sutrasthan, Ch. 11., Chakrapani’s Commentary on Verse - 25. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 214.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed.

Vol. 1., Sutrasthan, Ch. 2., Verse - 16. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 68.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 2., Vimanasthan, Ch. 8., Verse - 42. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 239.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 2., Vimanasthan, Ch. 8., Chakrapani’s Commentary on Verse - 42. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 239.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 1., Sutrasthan, Ch. 17., Verse - 84. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 328.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 1., Sutrasthan, Ch. 17., Verse - 85. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 328.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 1., Sutrasthan, Ch. 17., Verse - 87. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 328.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 3., Chikitsasthan, Ch. 4., Verse - 12. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 84.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 1. Nidansthan, Ch. 4., Verse - 12-35. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 58-62.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 3. Chikitsasthan, Ch. 7., Verse - 19. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 128.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 3. Chikitsasthan, Ch. 7., Verse - 20. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 128.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwa D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 3. Chikitsasthan, Ch. 7., Verse - 21. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 128.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 2. Indriyasthan, Ch. 12., Verse - 2. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 582.

Rajaram MG. Nyayasutra of Gautama with Nyayabhashya of Vatsayana. Text no. 1/1/6. 1st ed. Lahore: Bombay Mashani Press; 1921, 2008. p. 34.

Sharma RK. In: Bhagwan D, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesh: Commentary Ayurveda Dipika of Chakrapani Dutta. Reprint Ed. Vol. 2. Vimanasthan, Ch. 8., Verse – 48. Varanasi: Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2004. p. 240.

Downloads

Published

2023-09-30

How to Cite

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