Charaka Samhita: The Timeless Gem of Ayurveda

Abstract

The Charaka Samhita is a authoritative Ayurvedic text that continues to illuminate holistic healthcare practices across millennia. Attributed to Acharya Charaka and redacted from Agnivesha's teachings, it embodies a philosophical and clinical synthesis rooted in the Trisutra framework - Hetu, Linga, and Aushadha. Structured into eight methodical sections, the text addresses preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic modalities through a lens that integrates mind, body, and spirit. Its philosophical undercurrents, drawn from Samkhya and Vaisheshika Darshanas, reflect a metaphysical grasp of human health. This article explores the enduring relevance of the Charaka Samhita in the context of contemporary health challenges, emphasizing its alignment with modern principles such as personalized medicine, ethical practice, and lifestyle-based disease prevention. Reaffirming its stature as the “Gem of Ayurveda,” the treatise continues to bridge tradition and innovation, offering timeless insights into integrative, patient-centered care.