Chaturvidha Sutras Described by Acharya Dalhana

Article by Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ay) & Dr Manasa S, B.A.M.S

 Which means of Chaturvidha Sutras

Chatuh / Chatur = 4

Vidha = sorts

Sutras = textual verses or aphorisms

Who has described Chaturvidha Sutras?

Acharya Dalhana is the commentator of Sushruta Samhita. He has composed Nibandha Sangraha. On this treatise, Dalhana, in Nibandha Sangraha explains that the textual content / treatise incorporates in its core construction, the chaturvidha sutras i.e. 4 distinct kinds of aphorisms (textual verses).

Objective – The sutras and understanding of them would assist us to grasp the authority, supply and context behind totally different sorts of statements made within the treatise – Sushruta Samhita on this context.

That are the 4 kinds of Sutras?

“चतुर्विधं सूत्रं भवति- गुरुसूत्रं, शिष्यसूत्रं, प्रतिसंस्कर्तृसूत्रं, एकीयसूत्रं चेति ॥” Dalhana on Su.Su.Ch.1

The Sutras are of 4 sorts – Guru Sutra – phrases of a preceptor, Shishya Sutra – phrases of a disciple, Pratisamskarta Sutra – phrases of a redactor and Ekiya Sutra – phrases or opinion of different consultants’. (Dalhana)

Beneath talked about are the 4 sorts of Sutras outlined and defined by Acharya Dalhana

1. Guru Sutra – Guru means trainer, information or preceptor. On this context, it’s Divodasa Dhanwantari. The sutras straight spoken, preached or advocated by revered preceptors are known as Guru Sutra – ‘the trainer / preceptor’s sayings’.
2. Shishya Sutra – Shishya means disciple or pupil. On this context, it’s Acharya Sushruta. The Sutras associated to i.e. stated or requested by a disciple represent Shishya Sutra. In brief, they’re statements, verses or questions formulated by the disciple / disciples – ‘the disciple / pupil’s assertion / say / verse / query’.
3. Pratisamskrita Sutra – One who does redaction of the treatises is known as Pratisamskrita i.e. redactor. On this context, it’s Acharya Nagarjuna. The Sutras said by the redactor are thought of Pratisamskrita Sutra – ‘the redactor’s redacted / revised or up to date notes’.
4. Ekiya Sutra – Ekiya right here means ‘the opposite consultants’ who’ve written their views on explicit elements or verses of the shastra (classics) and have put forth their alternate opinions or particular views relating to the identical. The Sutras written / advocated / stated by different consultants or modern authorities are known as Ekiya Sutras.

All these may be thought of as ‘textual methodologies’ which assist in structural textual content evaluation.

It’s fascinating to see how Acharya Dalhana strongly applies the methodology framework of Chaturvidha Sutras to his Nibandha Sangraha commentary on the Sushruta Samhita (Sutra Sthana Chapter 1) although this idea was neither new nor distinctive to Ayurveda for the reason that very idea of Chaturvidha Sutra originated in early Ayurveda commentaries like that of Acharya Chakrapani on Charaka Samhita as part of structural textual content evaluation. Chaturvidha Sutras may be thought of as a conventional classification of analyzing ‘textual methodology’.

Guru Sutra – the preceptor / trainer’s assertion

These aren’t mere statements or sayings, they’re actually the teachings. There have been broadly two faculties of Ayurveda within the historical days, one faculty which imparted medical data and the opposite faculty which might impart surgical data and practices, in fact together with Ayurveda fundamentals, which have been frequent for each faculties. The scholars of Ayurveda learnt the topics they selected from the academics / preceptors who’re consultants in these fields. The system is identical even in modern-day studying. The preliminary part of studying comes via the trainer or preceptor. Academics have been additionally thought of as Aptas in historical days, i.e. individuals who had immense data of all the things alongside three timelines i.e. previous, current and future and something they stated or trainer was true to each phrase and value documenting, finding out and passing it alongside the subsequent tiers of timeline, to future generations. This was unadulterated data which might be tapped by any disciple being within the shut proximity of a preceptor and submitting himself or herself to the method of studying. All the pieces stated or taught by a preceptor within the course of would grow to be Guru Sutra.

In brief, Guru Sutras are preceptor’s statements or aphorisms spoken straight by the trainer which might impart medical data. Guru or preceptor so far as Chaturvidha Sutras in relation to Sushruta Samhita is anxious, is Divodasa Dhanwantari. Ref – Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 1.

Instance of Guru Sutra –

“अहं हि धन्वन्तरिरादिदेवो नराणां नृणामार्तिविनाशनार्थम् ।” (Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/22)

Herein we are able to see that Lord Divodasa Dhanvantari thought of as Guru in Guru Sutra makes an authoritative assertion and says ‘I’m certainly Dhanvantari, the primordial deity. I’ve descended to the Earth to alleviate the ailments and miseries haunting humanity’.

Acharya Dalhana references this assertion (and such statements) whereby the preceptor speaks with final and supreme authority as Guru Sutra. These aphorisms would put forth the elemental scientific truths.

Shishya Sutra – the disciple’s assertion / disciple’s questions

Schooling and studying can be significant and fruitful if the vibe and chemistry between the Guru and Shishya – disciple is powerful and unfettered. When the disciple syncs in with the teachings of his Guru with utmost focus, dedication and focus, the training would rework into undeterred and unquestionable data. On this course of, the coed ought to by no means be a silent spectator and receiver. She or he can have their very own doubts and queries. If they don’t elevate these questions, which by themselves are sutras, the training stays incomplete.

Shishya Sutras are statements or questions / aphorisms made by the disciple which might facilitate biphasic communication within the means of studying and would contribute to the excellent studying by the disciple with out loose-ends and doubts left over.

As a trainer, I’ve all the time believed that I’m nonetheless a pupil and have saved that pupil in me alive, open to any data from any route. A query or doubt generated by a pupil has evoked new views of the topic I already know and has added totally different dimensions to my understanding of Shastra in numerous methods. Shishya Sutras play an important function in complete studying and would deliver out the perfect in a trainer.

In brief – Shishya Sutras comprise statements / aphorisms of a disciple within the means of studying. It additionally encompasses verses formatted and introduced within the type of questions or doubts or structural submissions raised by the coed, primarily in the direction of and within the route of his or her trainer. Herein, Acharya Sushruta is designated as Shishya within the Chaturvidha Sutras, the coed who is allowed to query whereas studying. The questions raised by Sushruta and statements made therein in the direction of his trainer Divodasa Dhanwantari, to finish the cycle of complete studying are thought of as Shishya Sutra. Ref – Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 1.

Instance of Shishya Sutra –

“भगवन्! शारीरमानसआगन्तुकव्याधिपरितापितानां… उपशममर्थं… आयुर्वेदं श्रोतुमिच्छामः ।” (Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/4)

Herein we are able to see that Acharya Sushruta thought of as Shishya in Shishya Sutra, makes an announcement within the type of a request / prayer to his preceptor Lord Divodasa Dhanvantari and says – ‘O Lord (Dhanwantari), We, your disciples, would want to listen to and be taught Ayurveda for the reduction of residing beings who’re affected by bodily and psychological ailments and likewise diseases attributable to exterior brokers – resulting from accidents and trauma’.

Acharya Dalhana opines that these sections whereby there’s a classical dialogue format going down within the type of Guru Sutra – preceptor’s assertion and Shishya Sutra – disciples’ queries would kind the inspiration for Samvada – medical dialogue via dialogues. The questions, statements or prayers and requests put forth in the direction of his preceptor kind the shishya sutra. The Samvadas between Guru and Shishya would set up and doc the exact doubts generated and systematic clarifications requested by the disciple within the means of studying and gaining data.

Pratisamskrita Sutra – the redactor’s assertion / verse

Pratisamskara Karta i.e. the redactor is a crucial member in structural studying and evaluation of ‘textual methodology’. Subsequently, the sutras of pratisamskara karta maintain a vital place in Chaturvidha Sutras.

The Guru – preceptor teaches. The authoritative statements made by them grow to be Guru Sutra. Within the course of, the disciple comes up with questions, requests and prayers within the route of wanted clarifications. These questions and the solutions obtained in response from the Guru grow to be a dialogue till there’s a conclusive readability concerning the topic in dialogue. The redactor i.e. pratisamskarta would add or edit this Samvada later within the timeline. This beautifies the textual methodology whereby added opinions, interpretations and readability can be included with out hurting the core content material and emotion of the treatise. The contribution of Pratisamskarta i.e. redactor within the means of studying Ayurveda and perceiving the data of the identical in a complete approach is immense and undebatable.

In brief – Pratisamskrita Sutra comprise of the statements or interpretations and clarifications inserted into the textual understanding and methodology or structural markers added and the modifying inserted therein by the redactor of the texts within the involved treatises in order to hyperlink the chapters or attribute dialogue. Herein, Acharya Nagarjuna is designated as Pratisamskarta within the Chaturvidha Sutras. Taking the opposite faculty of Ayurveda studying, Acharya Charaka who has redacted the unique Agnivesha Tantra is the redactor. Actually Charaka Samhita, the favored treatise and one among the many Brihat Trayis – the larger trio of Ayurveda is known as after the redactor himself, exhibiting the significance of Pratisamskarana – redaction and Pratisamskrita Sutra within the textual methodology. Reference – contextually, Pratisamskrita Sutra has been built-in originally or finish of the chapters.

Instance of Pratisamskrita Sutra –

“अथातो वेदोत्पत्तिं नामाध्यायं व्याख्यास्यामः । इति ह स्माह भगवान् धन्वन्तरिः ॥” (Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/1-2)

Herein we are able to see that Acharya Nagarjuna thought of as Pratisamskarta in Pratisamskrita Sutra, makes an announcement and says – ‘Now, we will expound the chapter named Vedotpatti (The origin of medical data) as was spoken of by (described by) the venerable Lord Dhanwantari’.

In response to Acharya Dalhana – the narratives defined within the instance above, like ‘Thus Spoke the Lord….’ are categorized as Pratisamskartri Sutra’. We are able to infer that for the reason that unique creator by no means writes their very own introduction and therefore ought to have been performed by the redactor himself, who additionally constructions the historic context.

Ekiya Sutra – the alternate knowledgeable’s assertion or opinion

Ekiya Sutras are the statements, opinions or verses whereby the textual content data another principle or a conflicting or singular principle that are held and put forth by different modern medical consultants or different faculties of thought i.e. eke or ekiya. These may be thought of as ‘different vital references or statements / opinions’ given by different consultants or modern authors or authors of various timelines and faculties of studying in relation to the topic or subject in dialogue. They could be referred to and talked about in a treatise to substantiate, help or contradict an announcement or principle proposed within the textual content. It can be thought of as ‘comparative examine’ with the assistance of statements or aphorisms of different consultants and modern authors, which might give another perspective or enrich the prevailing perspective. The ekiya sutra could or will not be appreciated or accepted within the present dialogue taking place in a textual content / treatise, however will maintain a major place which might enrich the discussions.

In brief, Ekiya Sutras are the verses, statements or opinions of the opposite consultants or modern preceptors which grow to be an integral a part of studying methodology whereby the treatise formally data a conflicting, singular or different principle held and put forth by different consultants or faculties. Reference – Sushruta Samhita, Sharira Sthana.

Instance of Ekiya Sutra –

“कुमारस्य शिरः पूर्वमभिनिवर्तत इति कुमारशिरा भरद्वाजः…” (assertion made by Kumarashira Bharadvaja much like that cross-cited in Sa. Sha. 6 / Cha. Sha. 6)

Herein we are able to see that another opinion or assertion of Kumarashira Bharadwaja has been mentioned because the verse says – ‘In response to the knowledgeable opinion of Kumarashira Bharadwaja, the top of the fetus is the very first organ to develop within the womb of the mom’.

Acharya Dalhana defines the totally different viewpoints of different preceptors or consultants given within the treatise (Sushruta Samhita on this context) as Ekiya Sutra. These describe the debates among the many historical sages relating to embryogenesis, dhatu formation or processing of rasas outlined by Acharya Sushruta within the treatise.

Chaturvidha Sutras – Acharya Dalhana vs Acharya Chakrapani

It’s fascinating to notice that each Acharya Dalhana and Acharya Chakrapani (commentator of Charaka Samhita) have mentioned Chaturvidha Sutras as types of textual content evaluation. Although the inspiration is identical, they’ve tailored them to align with their respective textual content lineages – Sushruta Samhita and Charaka Samhita respectively. Acharya Chakrapani embraces these studying instruments in Ayurveda Dipika commentary on Charaka Samhita, Acharya Dalhana adapts the identical in his Nibandha Sangraha commentary on Sushruta Samhita. Whereas Chakrapani makes use of it in relation to the wants of the medical faculty of studying (kayachikitsa sampradaya), Dalhana makes use of them to fulfill the wants of the surgical faculty of studying (shalya tantra sampradaya) of the Sushruta Samhita.

Chaturvidha Sutras Comparative Examine in accordance to totally different faculties of studying in Ayurveda

Structural Adaptation of Chaturvidha Sutras by Acharya Dalhana and Chakrapani

1. Guru Sutra –
2. Dalhana / Sushruta Samhita – The sutras signify the voice and phrases of King Divodasa Dhanwantari who himself declares that he’s an incarnation of Bhagawan Dhanwantari – the God of drugs. The language and elegance of the dialogue herein are deeply imperial and decisive. The construction of instructing focuses closely on hands-on structural and surgical process, anatomy and surgical anatomy.
3.   Chakrapani / Charaka Samhita – The sutras herein denote the celestial teachings of Lord Atreya, the primary preceptor of this faculty of studying. As an instructional head and authority, he’s seen to provide classes on totally different matters together with pharmacology, etiology, drugs and cosmic ideas of life, with authority and readability.

2. Shishya Sutra –
3. Dalhana / Sushruta Samhita – We are able to see that Acharya Sushruta’s queries in the direction of his Guru present urgency for readability and are immensely action-oriented and sensible. His questions are associated to bodily supplies, working towards surgical procedure on dummies and surgical fashions and structural administration of wounds and unintended wounds.
4.   Chakrapani / Charaka Samhita – Acharya Agnivesha’s questions primarily concentrate on complicated systemic logics and basic fundamentals. Instance – the questions are structured round and oriented in the direction of deeper understanding of ideas like these associated to absolute nature of the thoughts and causes for manifestation of ailments in another way in numerous prakritis.

3. Pratisamskrita Sutra –
4. Dalhana / Sushruta Samhita – Pratisamskarana or redaction is principally credited to Acharya Nagarjuna. By Pratisamskrita Sutra, Acharya Dalhana identifies sections of the treatise the place Acharya Nagarjuna has chiseled and polished the verse meter or added superior chemical purification and likewise metallurgical references to historical surgical practices and formulations.
5.   Chakrapani / Charaka Samhita – Charaka Samhita has a historical past of layered redaction. Acharya Agnivesha’s unique work / treatise was first redacted by Acharya Charaka. Centuries later, Acharya Dridhabala crammed within the lacking chapters to the treatise. Utilizing Pratisamskrita Sutra, Acharya Chakrapani separates the elements of the treatise which belong to Acharya Charaka and people elements which have been redacted by Acharya Dridhabala.

4. Ekiya Sutra –
5. Dalhana / Sushruta Samhita – Acharya Dalhana focuses these aphorisms on intense bodily debates. Instance – In Sharira Sthana we are able to discover described totally different opinions given by totally different consultants relating to the embryonic growth and manifestation of various elements of the physique at totally different instances. The sages are seen to debate over which fetal physique half types first – the top, the center or the intestine. Dalhana makes use of this Sutra to keep up a impartial recording of those divergent theories of anatomy.
6.   Chakrapani / Charaka Samhita – Numerous well-known philosophical symposia have been recorded in Charaka Samhita. Instance, the talk on the origin of man and illness in chapter 25 of Sutra Sthana. Acharya Chakrapani highlights this Sutra to explain these symposia.

To Sum up,

Acharya Dalhana makes use of Chaturvidha Sutras to make the readers and college students of Ayurveda perceive the speaker who takes central stage to explain issues at totally different moments within the treatise. With this a pupil will have the ability to differentiate between a question requested by a pupil (shishya sutra) and a conflicting opinion put forth by different consultants (ekiya sutra) with none confusions, with an absolute authority and command from the Guru – preceptor.

Then again, Acharya Chakrapani makes use of Chaturvidha Sutras to showcase that Charaka Samhita is a steady, unbroken and logical thread which connects all facets of pure medical science and interprets the identical into complete textual methodology and understanding.

Associated AIAPGET Questions

1. That are the Chaturvidha Sutras described by Acharya Dalhana?
2. Nidana Sutra, Chikitsa Sutra, Ahara Sutra, Vihara Sutra
3.   Dinacharya, Rutucharya, Sadvritta, Achara Rasayana
4. Guru Sutra, Shishya Sutra, Prapisamskarta Sutra, Ekiya Sutra
5.   Aptopadesha, Pratyaksha, Anumana, Yukti

Ans – c. (Su.Su.Chapter 1)

2. Which amongst these shouldn’t be a Sutra included in Dalhana’s Chaturvidha Sutra?
3. Ekiya Sutra
4.   Chikitsa Sutra
5. Pratisamskarta Sutra
6.   Shishya Sutra

Ans – b. Chikitsa Sutra. (The fourth one is Guru Sutra).

3. “अहं हि धन्वन्तरिरादिदेवो नराणां नृणामार्तिविनाशनार्थम् ।” is
4. Shishya Sutra
5.   Ekiya Sutra
6. Guru Sutra
7.   Pratisamskarta Sutra

Ans – c. Guru Sutra.

4. “भगवन्! शारीरमानसआगन्तुकव्याधिपरितापितानां… उपशममर्थं… आयुर्वेदं श्रोतुमिच्छामः ।” is a
5. Pratisamskarta Sutra
6.   Shishya Sutra
7. Ekiya Sutra
8.   Guru Sutra

Ans – b. Shishya Sutra.

5. “अथातो वेदोत्पत्तिं नामाध्यायं व्याख्यास्यामः । इति ह स्माह भगवान् धन्वन्तरिः ॥” is a
6. Guru Sutra
7.   Shishya Sutra
8. Ekiya Sutra
9.   Pratisamskarta Sutra

Ans – d. Pratisamskarta Sutra

6. “कुमारस्य शिरः पूर्वमभिनिवर्तत इति कुमारशिरा भरद्वाजः…” is a
7. Ekiya Sutra
8.   Pratisamskarta Sutra
9. Shishya Sutra
10.   Guru Sutra

Ans – a. Ekiya Sutra.