Charaka Samhita. Part I, Chapters 19–20 / Translation from Sanskrit, Introductory Article and Commentaries by D. Burba
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Abstract
The publication presents the first Ukrainian translation of the nineteenth and twentieth chapters of the first part of the fundamental Sanskrit treatise on Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine) Charaka Samhita. (For previous chapters, see three previous issues of the journal “Eastern World”, issues 2–4 for 2024, and issues for 2017). The text was most likely written in the 1st century CE. The translation is of great importance for acquaintance of the Ukrainian readers with medical conceptions and life of Ancient India.
In the nineteenth chapter the author of the Charaka Samhita lists all the diseases known to him. The list is organized according to the number of varieties of a given ailment. Then it is explained which diseases were meant. In Ayurveda, the main cause of disorders is considered to be an imbalance of three doshas which are similar to the humors mentioned in Hippocrates writings. In the natural state, the doshas ensure the normal functioning of the body but when out of balance they cause diseases. “Just as a bird cannot escape its own shadow even if it flies all day, so too do all diseases fall outside the vata, pitta, and kapha” categories. An exception is made for those diseases whose cause is obvious: trauma, etc.
The twentieth chapter begins where the previous chapter ends: “There are four types of diseases: exogenous and caused by vata, pitta, kapha”. In addition to various visible injuries the first type also includes black magic, curses and possession by evil spirits. The locations of the various doshas are listed. It is said that there are 80 vata type disorders, 40 pitta type diseases, and 20 kapha type diseases. The signs of the pathological effect on the body of each vitiated dosha are given and the methods by which it can be brought to a normal state are explained.
How to Cite
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antiquity; Ayurveda; Charaka; India; samhita; Sanskrit; therapy; translation
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