Caraka : Caraka Samhita : Panchabhutas and Tridosas – The model : Ayurveda – 3
Human beings are always modelling the universe. A model is a simplified representation of some aspect of this complicated universe that helps us deal with it!
Models are the bane of existence of literalists who can’t find find the elements of the model under a microscope.
It is very clear that Caraka and others saw the insides of human bodies and animals that were dead, diseased and wounded, but it is not clear that they performed any dissections on living beings.
Caraka surmised as his predecessors that all people are made of the same elements as the our surrounding world though in different proportions. In this there is agreement with modern science. While he spoke of 5 main elements based on their tattvas (essence), today we speak of more than a 100 elements, based on the number of protons in their nucleus.
Today we speak of homeostasis in living beings, which is the equilibrium that living things maintain internally in face of external conditions – eg temperature, blood sugar concentration and so on.
Caraka spoke of the balance of the tridosas. Balance reflects health. Imbalance causes ill-health.
A sattvik way of life preserves the balance of the tridosas and preserves good health.
Ayurvedic medical treatments help you regain your balance of the tridosas once you fall ill.
Authorship and Copyright Notice : All Rights Reserved : Satya Sarada Kandula.
Reference : The Legacy of Caraka by M.S. Valiathan : Ayurveda – 1
