Meaning of Ayurveda
The term ‘Ayurveda’ is made up of two words – ‘ayus’ and ‘veda’.
In simple manner… life + science
‘Ayu’ – “ sharirendriya sattwa atma samyoga ayu” – “body, mind + heart, senses, soul / spirit”
- sharir means the physical body
- sattwa means the psychological strength (combination of mind and heart)
- indriyas means the basic concept that includes mind, panch-dyanendriyas, panch-karmendriyas
- atma means spirit or soul, the indestructible power.
Life begins when all these entities unite together. When this union breaks, death occurs.
Types of Ayu
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Sukha Ayu | Life with good health |
| Dukkha Ayu | Life suffering from diseases |
| Hita Ayu | Life that is beneficial / helpful for the society |
| Ahita Ayu | Life that is unhelpful / adverse for the society |
In Ayurveda, ayu is classified in four types.
Veda – The word ‘veda’ point to the ancient originality. Veda means such science, which do not change its fundamental principles as time goes on.
Names of Ayu – Synonyms
Various names given are listed below along with description.
| Synonym | Description |
|---|---|
| Dhari | Called so, as the physical properties of the body are carried on throughout the life |
| Nityaga | Called so, as the time of life is continuously spent |
| Jeevita | Called so, as the life activities are carried out throughout the life |
| Anubandha | Called so, as in our life there is a bandhan / union of sattwa / mind, atma /soul, indriyas / senses and body. |