Learn the most important concepts of preventive health in Ayurveda in this section of Caraksamhitā.
The Carakasaṃhitā is one of the oldest textbooks of Ayurveda representing the school of medicine. The Carakasaṃhitā is exceptional in that it has been preserved for over a period of more than 1500 years, of course, being edited, reconstructed, and expanded in the process. The source of this text is the Agniveśatantra, the date of composition of which is unknown. Agniveśatantra itself is based on the teachings of Ātreya, who is 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 that it came to be known henceforth as the Carakasaṃhitā. In the 4th century CE, another scholar Dṛḍhabala restored missing sections of the text. 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 as well as 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 Sūtrasthāna is the first section of the Carakasaṃhitā with 30 chapters arranged into 7 quartets of four chapters each. Out of the last two chapters, one chapter is a summary of the section and the last one a summary of the entire text itself. 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. The Carakasaṃhitā is a very interesting reading material for those who are interested in advanced learning of Ayurveda and the study of Sūtrasthāna is a good preparation to lay the foundation for a learning expedition in the world 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. This section covers chapters dealing with daily routine, seasonal routine, natural urges and wholesome conduct. The most important concepts of preventive health in Ayurveda is discussed in this section of Caraksamhitā.
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.
Curriculum
Get to Know this Course
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
Faculty
Your Faculty
SCU’s Ayurveda program is offering this course in collaboration with Amrita School of Ayurveda, Amrita Viswa Vidyapeetham (University). The course will be taught by Vaidya P. Rammanohar from Amrita University.
Admissions
Admissions Requirements
Prerequisite Entrance Requirements
None. This course is open to all students who want to learn Ayurveda, Ayurveda professionals, or other health care practitioners who would like to have a more in-depth understanding of the preventive aspect of Ayurveda.
Acceptance to SCU as a student is not required to attend this course and students do not earn university credit or a grade.
Refund Policy: No refunds are available for this course.