Carakasaṃhitā Part II – Online Course

At a Glance

A Foundational Textbook in Ayurveda

The Carakasaṃhitā is one of the oldest textbooks of Ayurveda. It has been preserved for over a period of more than 1500 years. This text was also edited, reconstructed, and expanded in the process.

The source of this text is the Agniveśatantra, which is based on the teachings of Ātreya, the founder of the school of medicine in Ayurveda.

Around the 2nd century BCE, Caraka is said to have extensively edited the work of Agniveśa. He made substantial revisions to the original text, so it came to be known as the Carakasaṃhitā.

Carakasamhita Part II

• The Carakasaṃhitā is important for its comprehensive coverage of the principles (tatva), theory (sastra) and practice (vyavahara) of Āyurveda.
• It also covers the entire scope of Ayurveda in terms of medical treatment and spiritual well-being, coining the term naiṣṭhikĪcikitsā or self-transformation as the ultimate solution for all pain and disease.
• It is an ideal textbook for those who want to explore deeper into the theoretical foundations and philosophy of Ayurveda apart from understanding the principles of treatment.
• The general topics covered in this section are treatment, preservation of health, guidelines for healthcare management, cleansing procedures, classification of diseases, guidelines for management of diseases, food and beverages, the vital organs supporting life. Some of the chapters are chronicle of interesting debates between experts of Ayurveda on specific topics.
• The Carakasaṃhitā is composed in a mixture of verses and prose. It is voluminous compared to other texts like Aṣṭāṅgahṛdayaṃ, but gives deeper insights into the theories and philosophy of Ayurveda.

In part two of this course, the four chapters (5-8) comprising the Svastha chatushka or quartet on maintenance of health will be discussed. The most important concepts of preventive health in Ayurveda are discussed in this section.

Course Overview

This 100% online course Carakasaṃhitā Part II includes four chapters from the second quartet – Svasthacatuska dealing with medicines.

Overview of the content

• Matrashitiyam (Moderation of diet)
• Tasyashitiyam (Transformation of food)
• Navegandharaniyam (Not suppressing natural urges)
• Indriyopakramaniyam (Disciplining the sense organs)

At the end of this course students will:

• Learn essential Sanskrit terminologies of Ayurveda explained in the Caraka Samhita related to preventive medicine especially, daily and seasonal routine, self-care and healthy lifestyle.
• Understand the in-depth meaning of the classical teachings explained in the Caraka Samhita related to preventive medicine covering healthy lifestyle.
• Understand the principles and practice of daily regimen in harmony with diurnal variations in nature and circadian rhythms.
• Understand the rationale behind arrangement of chapters in the quartet on maintenance of health.
• Understanding the functions of mind and sense organs and how to discipline one’s mind and sense organs to heighten one’s awareness.
• Understand the dos and don’ts advised by Ayurveda for maintenance and promotion of health.

PACE Approved Listing

• TIA Credit 28

Course Schedule

This course is delivered 100% online with set attendance times every Tuesday evening from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. PST. The course runs for 15 weeks.