In the olden era the traditional treasure of Indian wisdom including Architecture, Fine Arts, Theatre, Classical Music, Classical Dance, Yoga, Kamashastra, Rasayanashastra, Mathematics, Astrology, Ayurveda, Agriculture, Grammar etc had reached their peaks. But unfortunately most of the valuable treasure of the above disciplines has perished. In the so-called modern world where there are several lacunas in finding answers to various questions, the world is reverting back to these age old sciences. Yoga and Ayurveda are the most prominent examples of these sciences. The inspiration acquired from the Ancient and Eternal epics of Ayurveda is sufficient to enlighten the future of health sector. The ancient scholars also have stated the importance of Ayurveda in one line:
"Ayurvedopadesheshu Vidheyaha Paramadaraha"
Which means, the principles of Ayurveda have to be undoubtedly believed with due respect.
The ancient wisdom has been tested by time again and again. Most of the times these sciences are misnomered as Ancient, but in the true sense they are eternal and in existence since time immemorial. For instance, Rasashastra comes under both science & art of making medicines. Hence it does not necessarily mean that anybody who has acquired the knowledge of Rasashastra can master the art of making medicines as art is subjective whereas science is objective knowledge. The different terms like Yogya, Agnimaanvida coined by our ancient scholars also justifies the above concept. If we see the vast scope of these sciences then few queries arise. If our ancient scholars were able to make manuscripts containing these ancient wisdom then why the later generations were not able to sustain their vast treasure of knowledge? Was there any availability of the required equipments? If yes, then what about the skills of making these medicines? And if not how did the science grow eventually? Did the ancient scholars have miraculous vision? Many such questions arise in the mind. The only answers to all these questions is that in due course of time, due to many unfavorable circumstances the ancient treasure of knowledge and traditional system of medicine was ruined and only our culture survived. Old memories can be cherished based upon the remnants of our traditions. Today there is a dire need to strengthen these old traditions and literature. But unfortunately due to the lacuna in the educational system, fallacies remain.
The decision makers of the foreign empire aborted the use of traditional system of medicine in 1837, as a consequence of which no disciples were developed in the later generations. Even in the present scenario it is difficult for many people to accept the fact that such miraculous sciences existed. The face of educational system should have had changed after freedom. But in the reign of the foreign empire even Sanskrit lost its importance. At least there should have been a provision to deliver this vast knowledge of Ayurveda to the future generations in their own mother tongue. Even today there is a need to change the attitude of the experts of modern medicine who preach their science without uttering the significance of our traditional system of medicine.We do not claim that today's existing scientific knowledge was known to us completely. Unfortunately today's modern research reveals a lot of facts that have been mentioned in the ancient Ayurvedic texts and were under the cover of negligence for long. The only fact that our ancient scholars have left a rich heritage of this traditional knowledge for us. This boosts our morale to accept modern day challenges and work confidently. It is a matter of great surprise for developed countries that our tradition has existed for years together. The fundamentals of Yoga and Ayurveda are eternal as they been achieved by a miraculous power to foresee things and through relentless efforts acquired over a period of years. This is the knowledge that has been perceived by our ancient scholars and the knowledge achieved beyond the cognizance of the senses of normal humans."Pipasitai Kavyaraso na peeyati", one cannot substitute one's quench of thirst for water by that of the satiety obtained from other fields of interests how much ever one likes it. This fact was known to the experts. Hence Indian culture was considered as complete because life was prosperous with materialistic belongings. It was an obvious fact that the countries worldwide got inclined towards our tradition and culture and we embraced them considering that the whole world is one family. (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam).
The study of Ayurveda and its propagation has become the need of today. Hence, it should not be just restricted to become a way to earn a living. The degree BAMS should not be flaunted, but it should depict the real sense of the honor achieved as "Vaidya" and can be done by becoming the real disciple of Ayurveda. Ayurveda incorporates all the spiritual and scientific knowledge needed to live a healthy life. Everybody should be proud of the ancient treasure of Ayurveda in spite of the fact that the world today needs proof on the basis of strong research foundation to accept it. And for the Ayurvedic practitioners it is mandatory to have a sense of pride for their own science. Although many people have misconcepts or preconceived notions about this golden science, yet they should at least have the courage to accept the fact that this science has a lot of basic principles about living a healthy life which will definitely be highly useful for generations to come. Unfortunately few rumor mongers have never realized the fact or the rationalism about the science. Even if we consider that today's world is scientific, then too the parameters of science change from century to century. In medical sciences also, the medicine which was considered as ideal drug of choice until yesterday are discarded today due to drug resistance. Not only medicines but also many principles of the modern science cannot stand the test of time
e.g. Should Breast milk feed be given to infants or not was a topic of debate for long. Even though these principles keep on changing, yet they are beneficial to human health. But they cannot impart holistic health in the long run. Then in that case is it advisable to be dependent upon these unstable and frequently changing parameters?
Ayurveda is the science of life. The eternal principles on which human life can definitely progress are all included in Ayurveda. It is a must to study the principles of Ayurveda and properly implement them for preserving the Nation's pride and also for the benefit of human health. The dream of a healthy nation through healthy progeny can only be achieved through such consistent efforts. The holistic concept of health defined by Ayurveda which is also accepted by WHO, specifies a balanced state of healthy mind , senses, body and soul for complete health and guides how to maintain a balanced state of Dosha, Dhatu, Mala and Agni for maintenance of health. Also it guides us to lead a cheerful life which is free from diseases. It also has vast knowledge about other parallel branches like Ayurveda for horses (Ashwaayurveda), trees (Vrukshaayurveda) etc.
Ayurveda has traversed the limit of time and direction. It is eternal and universal and does not have any limitations. The only need of the hour is to understand and implement it in the right direction. Hence, it is quite natural to draft an appropriate plan to overcome the obstacles pertaining to the propagation of Ayurveda. The first milestone is to establish Ayurveda amidst common man in the international community. This difficult task has been successfully done since last 13 years. The next important milestone is to prove the age old eternal principles of Ayurveda on modern parameters and to make the world realize the potential of Ayurveda and where there is a limitation to prove these principles, then it has to be practically proven. Ayurveda has already reached the Royals & peers of Royals abroad. There are lots of followers of Ayurveda right from common man to the higher society dwelling in Europe or America. The conclusion is that everybody right from the king to the employee needs Ayurveda. Here there is no limitation of language or complexion differences to reap the benefits of Ayurveda. Ayurveda are eternal knowledge and also a vast ocean of health. It is immortal and has been in existence since years together.It has been revived now by foreign countries that have keen interest in the science. Politicians in our country have taken stringent measures in the 21st century by taking Ayurveda on National agenda. This is a matter of pride for all the Ayurveda scholars.
The journey of Ayurveda started in Europe approximately 50 years ago. In the first 30-40 years, the pace of propagation of Ayurveda was negligible. But in the last 10-15 years it has speeded up. But if we consider the whole scenario then even today the presence of Ayurveda is still negligible. Even though the total number of practitioners traveling abroad for propagation of Ayurveda has increased as compared to the past, still it is negligible. Apart from this European nations and U.S Health Bureau who are highly alert regarding health issues, have taken note of this and prepared norms related to export of medicines.The terms and conditions mentioned in it are applicable only to Ayurveda and not to any other system of medicine is to be noted.
The important norm was that the Ayurvedic medicines which have been used in Ayurveda for more than 30 years or more are in Government records and only these medicines will be permitted for export after fulfilling all the norms. However it is strongly felt that by considering the Ancient background of Ayurveda, the rules & regulations should be changed for selling Ayurvedic medicines internationally.
Ayurveda is spreading throughout the world due to mushrooming of Institutes & also due to trading community.But the main drawback is that the traders are not aware about Ayurveda and the practitioners do not have complete knowledge about the current trends in Ayurveda at International level.Therefore there is an urgent need to specify perspective of Ayurveda at international level. There are many hurdles of rules & regulations formed by western countries which are to be tackled. If one really expects to sacrifice one's life for the sake of Ayurveda and work for its propagation, then one must undoubtedly believe the principle of the science of Ayurveda. At the same time, the implementation of the principle and proving it on the basis of modern parameters in the conventional language of the world is necessary.
In view of these various aspects discussed above, e-Rasamruta will make an attempt to tackle these issues and mark the presence of Ayurveda at global level. e-Rasamruta is a small effort to confidently present this golden heritage of eternal knowledge on the foundation of a strong scientific & cultural background. Rasamruta is formed from two words "Rasa" and "Amruta". The word Rasa depicts many meanings right from Shrungarrasa upto Rasa which even means Aatma that is soul. Hence, Rasamruta includes the scope of everything mentioned above and would like to take the rich heritage of Yoga and Ayurveda ahead for the benefit of humanity.The teams of Ayurveda(Clinic) and Ayurveda Rasayani which includes doctors, scientists and experts are taking the massive step to bridge the gap between Ayurveda & the modern world through the research oriented e-journal.The traditional knowledge of Ayurveda and Yoga will be presented based upon strong research foundation of the modern world through the medium of e-Rasamruta. The launching event of e-Rasamruta is a very precious and epoch making event for us. e - Rasamruta is a modified version of the bimonthly journal Rasamruta which would like to take a global face in the years to come.
Dr Yogesh Bendale
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