Definition of Ayurveda

आयुषो वेदः आयुर्वेदः।

Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit words “Āyu” (life) and “Veda” (knowledge or science), meaning “The Science of Life.” It is a holistic system of medicine that promotes health, prevents disease, and restores harmony between the body, mind, senses, and spirit.

हिताहितं सुखं दुःखमायुस्तस्य हिताहितम्।

मानं च तच्च यत्रोक्तमायुर्वेदः स उच्यते ॥ – Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana 1/41

Ayurveda is the science that explains what is beneficial and harmful for life, what brings happiness and suffering, what promotes or diminishes longevity, and the true nature and span of life.

Purpose of Ayurveda (आयुर्वेद प्रयोजन)

प्रयोजनं चास्य स्वस्थस्य स्वास्थ्यरक्षणम्। आतुरस्य विकारप्रशमनं च॥ — Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana 30/26

The primary purpose of Ayurveda is to preserve the health of healthy individuals and to alleviate the diseases of those who are ill.

Importance of Studying Ayurveda

आयुः कामयमानेन धर्मार्थसुखसाधनम् ।
आयुर्वेदोपदेशेषु विधेय : परमादरः॥ – Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutra Sthana 1/2 (Ayushkamiya Adhyaya)

Ayurveda is the ancient science of life, offering timeless principles for maintaining health and well-being. A long and healthy life is considered the foundation for achieving the fundamental goals of human existence – Dharma (righteousness), Artha (prosperity), Kama (well-being and fulfillment), and ultimately Moksha (liberation). Therefore, anyone who aspires to live a healthy, meaningful, and purposeful life should hold the teachings of Ayurveda in the highest regard.

Definition of Health According to Ayurveda

समदोषः समाग्निश्च समधातुमलक्रियः ।
प्रसन्नात्मेन्द्रियमनाः स्वस्थ इत्यभिधीयते ॥ – Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana 24/41

According to Ayurveda, health is not merely the absence of disease but a state of complete harmony characterized by :

• Physiological balance (Samadosha, Samagni, Samadhatu, and proper Mala Kriya)
• Psychological well-being (Prasanna Manas)
• Sensory well-being (Prasanna Indriya)
• Spiritual well-being (Prasanna Atma)

Definition of Health According to the World Health Organization (WHO)

“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” — World Health Organization (WHO), 1948

Life (ayu) is the combination (samyoga) of body, senses, mind and reincarnating soul. Ayurveda is the most sacred science of life, beneficial to humans both in this world and the world beyond. – Charaka
Ayurveda is the science of life.