AYURVEDIC EPISTEMOLOGY: A STUDY OF PRAMANA IN THE CONTEXT OF SAMHITA SIDDHANTA

Dr. Mrunal Jolhe*, Dr. Anupama Prashant Kale and Dr. Bhagyashree Pravinkumar Rathi

ABSTRACT

The progress of Indian civilization witnessed significant contributions of intellectuals belongs from Ayurveda fraternity. The ancient philosophers used their intellect and analytical observation to understand various aspects of the human body as well as health perspective of mankind. Ayurveda provides different theories and principles related to the health, diseases and their treatment. Pramana is considered as a key concept of this framework which works as a guiding tool for acquiring and validating knowledge. Ancient texts suggested various types of Pramanas which include Aptopadesha, Pratyaksha, Anumana and Yukti Pramanas, etc. These Pramanas guide towards validating observations and their meaningful outcomes. Pramana is synonymous with Pareeksha, which can be elaborates as methods of acquiring knowledge by various means. The concept of Pramanas play vital role in treatment, it helps to assess Roga & Rogi, thereby allow physician to plan Aushadha accordingly. The concept of Pramanas support systematic, logical and scientific processes to understanding reality, based on certain facts. This article explore concept of Pramana as Ayurvedic epistemology in the context of Samhita Siddhanta.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Epistemology, Pramana, Knowledge, Samhita Siddhanta.