Ashtangat Rudaya - Book Summary

The Jain text "Ashtangat Rudaya" by Vagbhatta, published by Khemraj Krishnadas, is a comprehensive treatise on Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine. The provided text includes the title page, introductory sections, and an extensive index of its contents, primarily focusing on the "Sutra Sthan" (Section of Principles) and touching upon other sections like "Sharir Sthan" (Anatomy) and "Nidan Sthan" (Diagnosis).

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key aspects covered in the text, based on the provided pages:

1. Title and Author:

Book Title: Ashtangat Rudaya (अष्टाङ्गहृदया)
Author: Vagbhatta (वाग्भट)
Publisher: Khemraj Krishnadas (खेमराज श्रीकृष्णदास)
Publication Details: Printed and published by Khemraj Krishnadas at the "Shri Venkatesh" Steam Press in Bombay, in Ashwin, Samvat 1964 (1907 CE), Shake 1829.
Editorial Details: The text mentions that it was translated by Pt. Ravidattji of Verinivas and thoroughly purified by Pt. Jwala Prasad Mishra of Moradabad. This particular edition was re-examined and revised by the renowned Rajvaidya Pt. Muralidhar Sharma of Farrukhnagar.

2. Core Philosophy and Importance of Ayurveda:

Purpose of the Book: The book aims to make the ancient and highly beneficial text of Ashtanga Hridayam accessible to the common populace by providing a Hindi translation.
Ayurveda as a Science of Life: Ayurveda is described as the science that deals with life, its beneficial and harmful aspects, and the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. It is considered essential for achieving the four aims of human life: Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation).
The Human Body as a Vehicle: The human body is presented as a divine gift and the primary means for achieving these four aims. Maintaining its health through Ayurveda is paramount.
Holistic Approach: The text emphasizes that health is not just physical but also encompasses mental well-being, and proper lifestyle choices are crucial.
Ancient Indian Wisdom: It highlights that Indian medical knowledge is ancient and forms the foundation of other medical systems, citing examples of herbs and practices that were adopted in the West.

3. Structure and Content of Ashtangas (Eight Limbs): The book, Ashtanga Hridayam, is structured around the eight classical branches of Ayurveda, which are explicitly mentioned:

Kaya (Internal Medicine): Dealing with diseases of the entire body.
Bala (Pediatrics): Treatment of children's diseases.
Graha (Psychiatry/Demonology/Astrology): Treatment related to celestial influences and mental disorders.
Urdhvanga (ENT/Ophthalmology): Diseases of the head and neck, including eyes, ears, nose, throat.
Shalya (Surgery): Surgical procedures and treatment of wounds.
Dashṭrā (Toxicology): Treatment of poisoning and bites from venomous creatures.
Jara (Geriatrics/Rejuvenation): Treatment for aging and rejuvenation therapies.
Vrsha (Aphrodisiacs/Reproductive Medicine): Treatment for enhancing vitality and reproductive health.

4. Organization of the Text (Sutra Sthan): The "Sutra Sthan" itself is meticulously organized into numerous chapters (Adhyayas), as detailed in the index. Key topics covered in the Sutra Sthan include:

Definition and Purpose of Ayurveda: Etymology of Ayurveda, its divine origin from Brahma, transmitted through Daksha Prajapati, Ashwini Kumaras, Indra, and then to various sages like Atreya, Sushruta, Charaka, and Vagbhatta.
Dignity of Life and Health: Emphasis on the value of life and the human body as a tool for spiritual and worldly pursuits.
Principles of Health: Discussion on doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), their locations, Vata's dominance, and their temporal influences (age, day/night, food digestion).
Agni (Digestive Fire): Various types of Agni (Vishama, Tikshna, Manda, Sama) and their impact on health.
Prakriti (Body Constitution): Classification of body constitutions based on the dominance of doshas from conception.
Dhatus (Tissues): Description of the seven vital tissues (Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Meda, Asthi, Majja, Shukra) and their functions.
Malas (Waste Products): Explanation of Mala (Mutter, Purisha, Sweda) and their importance.
Dietary Principles: Detailed information on various food groups (grains, pulses, meats, vegetables, fruits, liquids like milk and water), their properties (Guna), tastes (Rasa), potency (Virya), and post-digestive effect (Vipaka). It also discusses dietary rules according to seasons and conditions.
Lifestyle and Daily Regimen (Dinacharya & Ritucharya): Guidelines for daily routines, hygiene, exercise, bathing, sleep, and seasonal regimens for maintaining health.
Pathology and Disease Causation: Exploration of the causes of diseases, including incorrect diet, lifestyle, suppression of natural urges (Vegas), and external factors.
Therapeutic Principles: Introduction to Panchakarma procedures like Vamana (emesis), Virechana (purgation), Basti (enema), Nasya (nasal administration), and Raktamokshana (bloodletting).
Pharmacology: Detailed descriptions of various herbs, minerals, and animal products, their properties, and uses.
Tools and Instruments: Mention of surgical instruments and devices used in Ayurvedic procedures.
Forecasting of Life and Death (Rista): Discussion on signs that may indicate future health issues or the time of death.

5. Editorial and Publishing Context:

Purpose of Hindi Translation: The introductory notes explain that the Sanskrit text was difficult for the common physician to understand, hence the need for a Hindi translation.
Multiple Editions: The text highlights that this is the third edition, indicating its popularity. The previous editions were revised and refined, with this third edition undergoing further scrutiny by Pt. Muralidhar Sharma.
Commitment to Ayurvedic Propagation: The publisher, Khemraj Krishnadas, is presented as a patron of Ayurveda, dedicated to publishing classical texts with commentaries to promote health and longevity among Indians.

6. Jain Context: While the book is a seminal Ayurvedic text, its publication by Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra and its presence on a Jain resource website suggest that it is considered valuable within the Jain community for its principles of health and ethical living, which often align with Jain values. However, the text itself is purely Ayurvedic in content, not directly discussing Jain religious doctrines.

In essence, the provided text is a significant publication of Vagbhatta's Ashtanga Hridayam in Hindi, serving as a vital resource for understanding Ayurvedic principles related to health maintenance, diagnosis, and treatment, as explained through detailed chapter descriptions and introductory narratives.