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A critical study on historical background of yoga darshana and ayurveda

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Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: A critical study on historical background of yoga darshana and ayurveda
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Author(s):

Ashwini A. Nimbal
Associate Professor, Dept. of Kriya Shareera, BLDEA’S AVS Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Vijayapur, Karnataka
Umapati C. Baragi
Associate Professor & HOD, Dept. of Basic Principles, Faculty of Ayurved, Main Campus, Uttarakhand Ayurved University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand


Ayushdhara:

(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)

Full text available for: A critical study on historical background of yoga darshana and ayurveda

Year: 2019

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The paper presents a critical study on the historical background of Yoga Darshana and Ayurveda, two ancient Indian sciences that share a common source in the Vedas. The authors, Ashwini A. Nimbal and Umapati C. Baragi, argue that both traditions emerged to interpret and simplify the complex teachings of the Vedas for common people, enabling them to achieve physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being. The ultimate goal of both Yoga and Ayurveda is to attain Moksha, or liberation from suffering. The paper explores the interrelationship between these domains, particularly how they have influenced each other throughout history.

Influence of Yoga Darshana on Ayurveda

Yoga Darshana dates back to pre-Vedic times and is rooted in ancient texts such as the Vedas, Upanishads, and the Mahabharata. The practice of Yoga evolved through different philosophical interpretations and is codified in the Yoga Sutras of Maharshi Patanjali, who systematically delineated the principles of Yoga philosophy. The authors discuss how Yoga Darshana addresses the concept of Moksha through various yogic practices, including Dhyana (meditation), Karma (action), and Jnana (knowledge), suggesting that these practices have been integrated into Ayurvedic teachings to enhance the understanding of human health and illness. This synergy emphasizes the complementary nature of Yoga and Ayurveda, where Yoga offers a path toward spiritual liberation, which can also positively influence physical and mental health.

The Relationship Between Charaka and Patanjali

The paper examines the historical figures of Charaka and Patanjali, often regarded as pivotal figures in Ayurveda and Yoga, respectively. While both are considered to embody the same philosophical ideals originating from the Vedas, there exists a distinction in their contributions. Charaka is known for his work on the Charaka Samhita, a foundational text in Ayurveda, while Patanjali's Yoga Sutras focus on the philosophical and practical aspects of Yoga. The authors delve into the debate surrounding their identities, proposing that while some scholars suggest they may be the same person, significant differences in their writings and conceptual applications indicate that they were indeed distinct individuals. This distinction is crucial for understanding the unique contributions each made to their respective fields within the framework of Indian philosophy.

Conclusion

In summary, Yoga Darshana and Ayurveda both derived from the foundational teachings of the Vedas, with each evolving to address different aspects of human existence through physical practices and medical theories. The examination of historical figures like Charaka and Patanjali reveals how their influences have shaped Indian wellness traditions over centuries. Both disciplines serve as sister sciences that together facilitate a holistic approach to health, emphasizing the importance of integrating physical practices with philosophical inquiry to achieve overall well-being and Moksha. The mutual influence of Yoga and Ayurveda illustrates their enduring legacy in promoting human health and spiritual liberation, advocating for a comprehensive understanding of life that transcends mere physicality.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the connection between Yoga Darshana and Ayurveda?

Yoga Darshana and Ayurveda are sister sciences that developed from the same source, the Vedas. Both aim to achieve human well-being through physical, mental, social, and spiritual means.

Who are the key figures in Yoga Darshana and Ayurveda?

Maharshi Patanjali is considered the Anushasaka of Yoga Darshana, while Acharya Charaka is a pivotal figure in Ayurveda. Both are regarded as Sheshavatara, indicating they might share a spiritual connection.

What are the main purposes of Darshanas in ancient India?

Darshanas served as accessible interpretations of the Vedas, aimed at dispelling ignorance (Ajnana) and guiding individuals toward liberation (Moksha). They simplify complex philosophical ideas for the common person.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “A critical study on historical background of yoga darshana and ayurveda�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Yoga:
Referred to as one of the oldest practices of Hindu tradition aimed at achieving Moksha, Yoga Darshana was systematized by Maharshi Patanjali. The practice involves controlling the Manas (mind) from the objects and stimulating it towards union with Atma (soul).

2) Patanjali:
Maharshi Patanjali is acknowledged as the Anushasaka (systematizer) of Yoga Darshana, compiling the Yoga Sutras, which outline the philosophy and practice of Yoga. Patanjali is considered an incarnation of Shesha.

3) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda, created from the Vedas, aims to achieve physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being through preventive and therapeutic approaches. It is known as the Upaveda of Atharva Veda and has significant historical connections with Yoga Darshana.

4) Darshana (Darsana):
Darshana Shastra denotes philosophical systems developed from the Vedas to help common people understand them. Yoga Darshana is a path aimed at achieving Moksha and overcoming Ajnana (ignorance).

5) Sutra:
Sutras are concise aphorisms that form the basis of Darshanas like Yoga and Samkhya. They were first written from 400 to 200 Vikrama Purva and later expanded into Vrittis and Bhashyas to explain them in more detail.

6) Veda:
The ancient and sacred texts of Bharatiya Vangmaya, specifically the Rigveda, Upanishads, and Atharva Veda among others, are seen as the primary sources of knowledge for Darshanas and Ayurveda.

7) Samhita:
Texts in Ayurveda such as Charaka Samhita, a monumental compilation by Acharya Charaka based on Agnivesha Tantra, showcasing medical knowledge derived from Atharva Veda. These Samhitas are pillars of Ayurvedic literature.

8) Pada:
Refers to chapters or sections in the Yoga Sutras by Maharshi Patanjali, such as Samadhi Pada, Sadhana Pada, Vibhuti Pada, and Kaivalya Pada that systematically discuss the stages of Yoga practice.

9) Shesha (Sesa):
An important figure in Hindu mythology, considered an incarnation that both Patanjali and Charaka are linked to. Shesha’s influence is reasons Patanjali and Charaka are considered as potential same identities.

10) Vikrama:
Vikrama Purva chronicles the periods during which the Sutras (400-200 BC) and Vrittis (300-1500 AD) were composed. It marks historical timelines for the development of philosophical thought systems.

11) Moksha (Moksa):
A central goal in both Yoga Darshana and other Darshanic traditions, Moksha represents ultimate liberation and detachment from worldly miseries attainable through pathways such as Yoga.

12) Discussion:
The examination of similarities and differences between various philosophical systems such as Yoga Darshana and Ayurveda, highlighting their historical contexts, authors, and evolving concepts over time.

13) Hiranyagarbha (Hiranya-garbha):
Mentioned in Mahabharata as the original proponent (Pravartaka) of Yoga Darshana. Considered synonymous with Brahma and linked to the origins of Yoga philosophy in ancient Indian texts.

14) Samadhi:
The blissful state of absorption where a Yogi is in union with the divine. It's the subject of the first chapter (Samadhi Pada) of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, outlining the means to attain this state.

15) Agnivesha (Agnivesa, Agni-vesha):
The original compiler of Agnivesha Tantra, later redacted by Acharya Charaka into Charaka Samhita, this text represents foundational knowledge in Ayurveda focusing on medicinal practices.

16) Knowledge:
Derived from sources like the Vedas, Upanishads, and foundational texts in Ayurveda and Yoga, knowledge encompasses both philosophical and practical wisdom essential for achieving human well-being and Moksha.

17) Sanskrit:
The classical language in which foundational texts of Yoga and Ayurveda, like the Vedas, Upanishads, Sutras, and Samhitas, are written, ensuring preservation of ancient philosophical doctrines.

18) Sadhana:
Emphasized in the eight-limbed Ashtanga Yoga described in the Sadhana Pada by Patanjali, it denotes disciplined practice pivotal for spiritual advancement and mastery over the mind and body.

19) Vartika:
Commentaries written on Sutras to elucidate and expand the abbreviated philosophical teachings, notably seen in works like the Vartikas on Vyakarana and Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.

20) Disease:
Addressed within the domain of Ayurveda, with specific methodologies for diagnosis and treatment. Yoga texts touch upon disease briefly as an obstacle to Sadhana but defer to Ayurvedic principles for detailed management.

21) Brahma:
Viewed as the exponent of Yoga in ancient texts; the term denotes a foundational deity associated with the creation and propagation of philosophical doctrines in pre-Vedic times.

22) Shruti (Sruti):
Refers to the body of sacred texts heard and transmitted orally in ancient Indian tradition, encompassing the Vedas which serve as the source material for philosophical systems like Yoga and Ayurveda.

23) Nature:
Darshanas, including Yoga and Ayurveda, elaborate on understanding human existence within the natural world, emphasizing harmony and balance through philosophical and medical principles.

24) Kriya:
A type of Yoga highlighted in Patanjali's Sadhana Pada, synonymous with Karma Yoga, focusing on selfless actions and practices designed to purify the mind and body.

25) Vyasa (Vyasha):
A significant figure in the tradition of Yoga and Vedanta, potentially being a student of Patanjali, who further contributed to the elucidation and teaching of Yoga knowledge.

26) Purva:
A term marking time, as in Vikrama Purva (before Vikrama), used to establish the historical context during which pivotal philosophical texts and Sutras were written.

27) India:
The birthplace and historical center for the development of systems like Yoga Darshana and Ayurveda, where ancient texts were composed and philosophical schools thrived.

28) Guru:
The role of teachers like Patanjali and others in the transmission and development of Yoga Darshana and Ayurveda, shaping these traditions through their teachings and compilations.

29) Agniveshatantra (Agnivesatantra, Agnivesha-tantra):
An Ayurvedic text first composed by Agnivesha and later redacted as Charaka Samhita, providing foundational medical knowledge and practices within the Ayurvedic tradition.

30) Atharvaveda (Atharva-Veda):
One of the four main Vedas, known to be the source of Ayurveda, providing foundational hymns and prescriptions for health and wellbeing practices.

31) Siddhanta (Siddha-anta, Siddhamta):
Fundamental principles inherent in both Yoga and Ayurveda, providing the philosophical and practical frameworks necessary for achieving goals like health and liberation.

32) Ashtanga (Astanga, Ashtan-anga):
Describes the eight limbs of Yoga outlined in Sadhana Pada by Patanjali, including ethical practices, disciplines, and techniques leading to spiritual liberation.

33) Shastra (Sastra):
A term referring to scriptures or authoritative texts within a specific field, like Yoga Shastra, which compile and codify practices and philosophies.

34) Vibhuti:
Detailed in Vibhuti Pada of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, these are the special powers or Siddhis attained through sustained Yoga practice, often seen as distractions from the ultimate goal.

35) Avatara (Avatar):
Refers to the divine incarnations of deities, such as Shesha, considered to have manifested as personalities like Patanjali and Charaka in the context of Yoga and Ayurveda.

36) Vyakhya:
Commentaries or detailed explanations written to elucidate primary texts such as Sutras and Bhashyas, making complex ideas accessible and understandable.

37) Umapati (Umapathi, Uma-pati):
[see source text or glossary: Umapati]

38) Tantra (Tamtra, Tantrism):
Comprehensive treatises encapsulating systemic knowledge usually in the contexts like Agnivesha Tantra and Charaka Samhita in Ayurveda, which document extensive medicinal practices.

39) Tattva:
Philosophical principles underpinning systems like Yoga and Samkhya, explaining fundamental elements of reality and human experience.

40) Karma (Karman):
Discussed in teachings like Patanjali's Kriya Yoga and Bhagavad Gita, emphasizing actions and their results as pathways to spiritual growth and liberation.

41) Trayi:
Refers to classic trinity texts, in Ayurveda, this includes Brihatrayi (main texts) and Laghutrayi (secondary texts), which are crucial for understanding Ayurvedic principles.

42) Rupa:
Means 'form' or 'appearance', such as in Shruti Rupa, which indicates the oral form in which the Vedas were initially transmitted before being documented.

43) Kala:
The term used to delineate historical phases in Yoga Darshana’s development, like Sutrakala (era of Sutras) and Vrittikala (era of commentaries and Bhashyas).

44) Yajnavalkya:
An ancient sage part of Indian tradition mentioned in relation to other significant figures such as Charaka and Patanjali, contributing to the philosophical and medical knowledge.

45) Mahabharata (Maha-bharata):
An ancient epic where mentions of Yoga and its practices predate Patanjali, contributing to the historical depth and acknowledgment of these practices within Indian tradition.

46) Rajayoga (Raja-yoga, Rajan-yoga):
A term for the meditative and disciplined form of Yoga aiming at mental control and self-realization, encapsulated in texts like Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.

47) Karnataka:
[see source text or glossary: Karnataka]

48) Language:
Sanskrit, the liturgical language in which key texts of Yoga, Ayurveda, and other Darshanas were composed forms a crucial medium for the knowledge transmission of these sciences.

49) Pandava (Pamdava):
Refers to the principal protagonists in the Mahabharata, a text that contains early mentions of Yoga principles, underscoring the antiquity of yogic practices.

50) Siddhi:
Supernatural powers resulting from advanced yogic practices as outlined in Patanjali’s Vibhuti Pada, which though notable, are to be transcended for true liberation.

51) Mishra (Misra):
Refers to commentators like Vachaspati Mishra who wrote Tattva Vaisharadi, a crucial text for understanding and interpreting Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.

52) Nagesha (Nagesa, Nagesh, Naga-isha):
A scholar who contributed commentaries such as Chaya Vyakhya to help understand previous works like Bhojavritti on the Yoga Sutras by other authors.

53) Manas (Mano, Manash):
The mind or mental faculties which, in Yoga Darshana, need to be controlled and redirected from external objects towards the inner self for achieving higher states like Samadhi.

54) Chaya:
In context, Chaya Vyakhya is a specific commentary explaining Bhojavritti, assisting in the comprehensive understanding of Yoga Sutras.

55) Karta:
Denotes the author or proponent, such as Hiranyagarbha being the Karta of Yoga Darshana, illustrating the originators of important philosophical texts.

56) Raja:
Bhoja, as a commentator (Bhashyakara) of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Raja denotes the royal scholar Bhoja who authored Rajamartanda (Bhojavritti).

57) Mana:
[see source text or glossary: Mana]

58) Sage:
Figures like Patanjali, Charaka, and others, who contributed significantly to the development and documentation of Yoga and Ayurveda practices and philosophies.

59) Common People (Common Folk):
Darshanas were expressed in simpler ways to make Vedic knowledge accessible to the common people, aiding in overcoming Ajnana (ignorance) and achieving Moksha.

60) Mohenjo-daro (Mohenjodaro):
Archaeological site where statues of Yogapurusha indicate the ancient prevalence of Yoga practices in India, dating back to pre-Vedic civilization.

61) Dhatusamya (Dhatu-samya):
A concept in Ayurveda focusing on the balance of bodily elements (Dhatus) to achieve Arogya (health), differing from Yoga’s focus on achieving Moksha.

62) Anusasana (Anushasana):
The discipline or ordering of knowledge, specifically mentioned in the context of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras referred to as Yoganushasanam, meaning Yoga teachings.

63) Rajavaidya:
[see source text or glossary: Rajavaidya]

64) Perception:
[see source text or glossary: Perception]

65) Detachment:
As explained in Patanjali’s Yoga, the state of detachment of the self from objects leads to Moksha, emphasizing mental control and self-realization.

66) Prayojana:
The purpose or objective, such as the Prayojana of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras being Moksha Prapti, attentively contrasted with Dhatu Samya in Charaka Samhita.

67) Nagarjuna:
Known for redacting the Sushruta Samhita, Nagarjuna's contributions underpin major developments in Ayurvedic surgical practices and literature.

68) Avatarana:
The doctrine of the descent, as seen in various figures like Patanjali and Charaka who are considered incarnations of divine serpent Shesha.

69) Upadesha (Upadesa):
Upadeshas or teachings in Charaka Samhita are structured in dialogue forms, conveying medical knowledge, distinct from the Sutra format used in Yoga Sutras.

70) Kanishka (Kaniska):
Ruler of the Kushana dynasty, under whom Charaka supposedly served as Rajavaidya, contributing to the proliferation of Ayurvedic knowledge.

71) Medicine:
Ayurveda, derived from the Vedas, encompasses a holistic medical system addressing disease, pathology, and treatment, distinct yet complementary to Yoga.

72) Buddhism (Buddhist tradition):
Ancient spiritual tradition influencing and influenced by Yoga practices, contemporary to Jainism and integrated in historical development of Indian philosophy.

73) Indriya (Imdriya):
The senses that Yoga teachings encourage to restrain and turn inward, a core principle in achieving states like Samadhi mentioned in Patanjali's Sutras.

74) Brihati (Brhati):
[see source text or glossary: Brihati]

75) Nirodha:
Nirodha in Patanjali’s famous verse 'Yoga Chitta-Vrutti-Nirodha' means cessation or restraint, marking the key goal of Yoga—restraining the mental modifications to achieve a state of union.

[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 120]

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Veda, Moksha, Raja Yoga, Ayurveda, Charakasamhita, Darshanashastra, Yogadarshana, Historical background, Maharshi Patanjali, Astika Darshana.

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