Abstract

Dr. Vijayant Bhardwaj*, Dr. Satish Sharma, Dr. Abha Singh and Dr. Chanda Chopra

ABSTRACT

Ayurveda is a science that is completely based on its eternal and consistent principles and concepts. Even with the changing era these principles have stood their ground. The literature on some of these concepts shows significant similarity with the other oriental ancient texts. In fact for a detailed understanding of the principles propounded in the Ayurvedic texts, the Acharyas have also advised the study of these texts, but what if the principles and concepts elaborated in these texts are obscure and mystic. What if these concepts seem to be jaded with mythology giving them a very unscientific and illogical outlook? Could they still be considered worthy of studying to understand and explore the scientific aspect of Ayurvedic principles? One such concept that has been shrouded with myth and philosophy and is hardly applied and evaluated on a scientific basis is Nidana of Pratishyaya. The description of Nidana is found abundantly in the ancient oriental classics, specifically the Charaka, Sushuruta and Vagbhatta. However with the exception of Ayurveda, its description in the other texts seems to more philosophical. A detailed analysis of these descriptions, however, leaves a lingering thought that there could be a strong scientific indication behind this mask of mythology.