About Ayurveda

Ayurveda has evolved from the laws of nature in accordance with the description of origin of universe as given in Saankhya Darshan . Various steps in evolution of the universe constitute categories (Padarth) of the Saankhya Darshan. There are 24 Padarth mentioned in Saankhya Darshan, which are typically universal. 

Ayurveda is a special science. Universal knowledge evolved during development of the universe has been specifically applied in the field of medical science. Vaisheshik Darshan is treatise that deals with application of the universal laws into a specific field. This knowledge becomes specific as soon as we apply the universal fundamentals of philosophy to a particular walk of practical life, . Fundamental principles of Vaisheshik Darshan have been applied for the benefit of human beings to alleviate diseases and live healthy and long life in Ayurveda.  So Ayurveda includes study of the surroundings in Toto in context of human body. Place (Disha) and time (Kaala) has been considered as one of the constituents of human body along with Pancha-Mahabhuta (five gross elements), Mana (psyche) and Atman (consciousness).

The knowledge regarding the right and wrong is dealt in Nyaya Darshan . Principles of diagnosis postulated in Ayurveda are outcome of this kind of knowledge. Thus diagnosing the cause of disease and its appropriate treatment can correct deformity in the body.

Ayurveda has also postulated the principles of harmony for the maintenance of the health. This kind of knowledge has been directly influenced by Yoga Darshan .

Perception, that body has potentiality to get diseased, has led to the conception of 'ways of healthy and natural living'. Laws of nature were woven in the form of certain rituals for the understanding of healthy and natural living in masses of normal intellect. The people are persuaded to lead life according to these rituals with the conviction that repeated practice of the existing knowledge or certain known facts lead to revelation of truths behind that observation thus origin of true knowledge. These rituals are outcome of the knowledge of realized people. This is the scope of Mimamsa Darshan . Principles for the acquisition of knowledge given in the Mimamsa Darshan have been followed in the development of Ayurveda.

Vedanta Darshan preaches the principle of unification. Everything has evolved from the single entity according to Vedanta Darshan. Everything in this universe is the extension of single entity so everything is related to every other thing in this universe. This principle is the root of holistic approach of Ayurveda. The fundamental, that everything has originated from the same basic philosophy, saves us from entangling in comparisons and criticisms of two different approaches of acquiring the knowledge. This fundamental principle, due to its very nature of unification, takes us to the approach of conciliation rather than that of criticism and diversion.

All the six Darshans mentioned earlier are considered as six different books that put forward certain concepts having a mutual discord. It is important to mention here that these conflicts are only apparent. In fact all Darshans compliment each other . They contradict each other at no point. Purpose of study of Darshans is not to follow the path of a particular Darshan, and then screening other Darshans through the spectacles of first Darshan, but to trek down all Darshans in general and connect the tracks to form a road to the medical science.

Basic topics of discussion of Ayurveda are Dravya (substances that make the body), Guna (qualities that are possessed by the substances), Karma (functions of Dravya), Samvaya (inseparability of relation between the qualities and function of substances) and interaction between the different substances leading into the interaction among their qualities and resultant increase in the net quantity of the qualities ( Samanya ) or decrease in the quantity of qualities ( Vishesh ). These are the basic topics of Vaisheshik Darshan.

Theory of cause and effect, the principle of three-fold basic entities (Principle of Tridosha) are the other prominent natural principles incorporated in Ayurveda.