Spiritual health in Āyurveda: A review through Charaka Sam᷂hiᾱ

Abstract

Dharma (virtuous acts), Artha (wealth), kα̑ma (desire), and moks᷂a (final emancipation) are the important components of health according to Āyurveda. Charaka Sam᷂hiᾱ, ancient medical text in the Āyurveda literature, describes not only physical and mental health, but also spiritual health. The concepts of spirituality in Charaka Sam᷂hiᾱ are influenced by the Upanishads where the aim of the life is moks᷂a (final emancipation). Charaka Sam᷂hiᾱ Sarḭra sthᾱna is one of the unique things where all the aspects of health, i.e., physical, mental, and spiritual health, have been explained and more importance is given for spiritual health such as concept of chetana dhᾱtu purus᷂ha (element of consciousness), Jivᾱtman (empirical soul) and paramᾱtman (absolute soul), and yoga and moks᷂a (final emancipation). The aim of this study is to understand the concepts of spiritual health mentioned in Charaka Sam᷂hiᾱ with the base of Upaniṣhads.