Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita: Core Ancient Text of Ayurveda

Ayurveda, the world’s oldest medical science, is built upon "three pillars": the Charaka Samhita, the Sushruta Samhita, and the Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita. Having previously explored the works of the sages Charaka and Sushruta, we now turn our attention to the contributions of another great healer of the past—Vagbhata. He is the author of the treatise dedicated to a healthy lifestyle, body detoxification, and the preservation of youth. His masterful work is known as the Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita.

Before discussing the treatise itself and its contents, we would like to focus on the author’s personality and his achievements in the field of healing. It is known that Shri Vagbhata was born in the family of a physician named Simhagupta. Vagbhata’s father was a renowned healer who held the title of "vaidyapati." The medicinal recipes he created were later included in many medical textbooks. Vagbhata’s uncle, Ravigupta, was also a recognized medical expert.

Ravigupta authored the medical treatise Siddhasara. It is no surprise that young Vagbhata wanted to follow in his family's footsteps to become a doctor and help those in need. Unlike many others, he had access fr om an early age to the secrets of Ayurveda, carefully preserved by his father and uncle. His father taught him the rules for gathering and storing medicinal herbs. His uncle shared how to combine plants to prepare ointments and decoctions.

After gaining his initial knowledge of Ayurveda, Vagbhata became a disciple of Avalokita, a true master and spiritual mentor. Avalokita revealed the secrets of philosophy, astrology, and naturopathy to him. It was through Avalokita that Vagbhata chose his spiritual path; although his teacher was from a Brahmin lineage, he practiced Buddhism. Vagbhata embraced these teachings and remained a follower of Gautama Buddha's path for the rest of his life.

Vagbhata rose to fame after curing the daughter of a ruler named Sindha. While court physicians failed, Vagbhata diagnosed her quickly and achieved a full recovery within two weeks. In gratitude, King Sindha granted him a portion of his realm. This area, known today as Karachi (in Pakistan), became a true "Kingdom of Ayurveda."

Vagbhata and his students compiled a massive library of Ayurvedic and Aryan medical treatises. Sadly, most of these works were destroyed in a 13th-century fire. Vagbhata did more than create an institute; he founded a state wh ere aspiring healers fr om all over India came to study. This Ayurvedic kingdom lasted about 40 years until a Shaka invasion forced Vagbhata to flee to Ujjain.

It was in Ujjain that he began writing his masterpiece, the Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita. The work took seven years to complete and was finished in Kerala, wh ere the legendary healer spent his final years. He established eight dynasties, each specializing in a different branch of Ayurveda based on his treatise. The text became so iconic that even today in Kerala, some physicians can still recite this classic work entirely from memory.

Many believe that the Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita is merely a summary of Ayurvedic knowledge, but that is not entirely accurate. As you know, "Ashtanga" translates from Sanskrit as "eight," and "Hridaya" as "heart." In reality, Vagbhata’s work is the true heart of Ayurveda. Each chapter is dedicated to one of the eight branches of Ayurveda, hence the name—"Eight Hearts." Numerous other books have been written based on this treatise. Notably, the work has been translated into Chinese, Arabic, and German.

You may encounter a legend suggesting the existence of another work called the Ashtanga Sangraha. It is said to be more voluminous and substantial, while the Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita is supposedly just its concise summary.

The work consists of six sections in total. The first is Sutra Sthana, containing 30 chapters on the core principles of Ayurveda, disease descriptions, treatments, and prevention. The second section, Sharira Sthana (6 chapters), covers anatomy, physiology, dreams, and signs of approaching death. Nidana Sthana, the third section (16 chapters), focuses on chronic diseases. The fourth, Chikitsa Sthana (22 chapters), describes the treatment of organic illnesses. The next section, Kalpa Siddhi Sthana, details methods for preparing medicines. The final, sixth section is dedicated to the primary branches of Ayurveda, including surgery and rejuvenation techniques.

The Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita is the most commented-upon Ayurvedic text, with explanations written by both Brahmins and physicians. Unfortunately, many commentaries were lost, partly due to India's long history as a British colony. Britain attempted to force the indigenous population to abandon Ayurveda in favor of imported drugs, viewing it as a relic of the past. Although they did not succeed, many schools were closed, and treatises were destroyed. Nevertheless, the Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita has survived, offering us a unique opportunity to connect with this great heritage.

One of the central tenets presented in the treatise is the necessity of observing dinacharya, or a daily routine. A clear schedule allows a person not only to be productive and successfully manage their responsibilities but also to achieve high-quality rest. Vagbhata urges rising with the sun during the Brahma-muhurta. This approach was originally dictated by the need for morning rituals, prayers, and bathing in a sacred river.

Today, while not everyone has the desire to follow a religious path, it is proven that early risers achieve greater success and are less likely to be late. To wake up on time, the treatise recommends going to bed no later than 10:00–11:00 PM. Overall, the daily routine should be aligned with the solar rhythm: rising at sunrise and going to sleep shortly after sunset.

It is vital not to overlook hygienic procedures. These are described in full detail, though they should be adapted to personal circumstances and capabilities. While few would turn down a morning massage, the modern pace of life doesn't always make it feasible. However, exercise should never be neglected: the treatise clearly states the necessity of physical activity during the morning hours.

Another crucial point we often forget is the teaching:

For a wise person, the whole world is an Acharya (teacher). Learn to accept its lessons.

Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita

Few truly grasp this concept or integrate it into their lives, often reacting to events with hostility. Yet, by changing one's perspective and seeing a situation as a teacher, many troubles can be avoided.

The text also outlines a seasonal regimen: what is best to do in winter versus spring. The treatise teaches one to listen to their body and notice the slightest changes to stop or even prevent disease. Significant attention is paid to moral guidelines and rules of social conduct.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, if a person leads a virtuous life, illness will not occur, as it is viewed as a consequence of wrong actions. The treatise states:

He who wishes to be healthy and happy must control greed, envy, hatred, and his own senses.

Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita

Additionally, it describes proper hydration and lists the benefits and drawbacks of various dairy products.

Alcohol is addressed separately, with the text emphasizing that its consumption is akin to taking poison. Significant attention is given to dietary habits—what should be eaten and what is best avoided. The treatise covers various aspects of life, including intimate relationships.

While some recommendations may seem strange or inapplicable to modern realities, one should not jump to conclusions. Remember that any procedure should be prescribed by a specialist and carried out strictly according to their guidance. Even now, however, we can adopt advice regarding daily routines, hydration, and eating habits. In any endeavor, it is important to avoid fanaticism: introduce changes to your life gradually.