Abstract

Patanjali and Caraka have been assigned to the second century B.C. Patanjali's work centered on mental healing while Caraka's work dealt with physical healing. Patanjali held that it was impossible to acquire a calm mind which was essential to salvation unless the mind and its activities were brought under control. Patanjali prepared 195 aphorisms divided into four books. Caraka redacted Agnivesa's Samhita which came to be known as the Caraka Samhita after the redaction. The Caraka Samhita has 120 chapters divided into eight sections. It is a massive treatise on ancient Indian medicine. ;The fact that Samkhya while dealing with theoretical questions was almost silent with regard to the practical methods of obtaining release from the bondage of avidya was of great significance with respect as to why Patanjali codified his work. Caraka rescued the disappearing science on Ayurveda from oblivion and compiled his Samhita at a time when Vedic religion and culture had reasserted itself. ;Chapters 2 and 3 deal with the philosophical roots of Samkhya and the Vedas operating within Yoga and Ayurveda. In Chapter 5, comparisons are drawn between the Yogic philosophy of salvation and the Ayurvedic divisions of medical science. The eight aids to Yoga and the eight branches of medicine reveal a parallel especially with regard to yama/niyama and sutra/sarira sthanas. ;Chapter 6 is devoted to the theories of Caraka's tridosa and Patanjali's triguna with respect to their properties, normal functions and derangements. An examination in Chapter 7 enables a comparison to be drawn concerning the tridosas and trigunas. All experiences have the aspects of all the gunas. All diseases have the same with tridosa. The equilibrium of the gunas and dosas is always undergoing changes not only because of the physiological processes going on inside the body but also due to the physical and mental activities of the person. To replenish this loss, an individual needs to consume a balanced diet. ;The object of Ayurveda is for the achievement of good health and longevity; whereas, the object of the practice of Yoga is liberation