Abstract

A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PATANJALI YOGA SUTRA AND CHARAK SAMHITA: A LITERARY STUDY

Nilakshi Das* and Niten Barman

Abstract

Ayurveda and darshan complement each other maintaining their individual identity. Patanjali Yoga Darshan outline the philosophy and practice of classical yoga. Charak Samhita is one of the primary treatises on Ayurveda, India’s traditional system of medicine. Despite emerging from different domains – spiritual and medical – both texts reflect a holistic view of human life, health and consciousness. This paper undertakes a comparative analysis of two fundamental texts in Indian philosophical and medical traditions: the Patanjali Yoga Sutra and Charak Samhita. The study explores their philosophical foundations, conceptualization of health and disease, ethical frameworks and methods of achieving mental and physical well being. The analysis reveals significant convergences in their understanding of the mind body relationship and the path to ultimate liberation (moksha), underscoring the integrated nature of ancient Indian knowledge systems.

Keywords: Yoga Darshan, Moksha, Health, Charak Samhita.