ABSTRACT
Caraka was notably inclined to philosophy and excelled as a philosopher–physician. In short, Caraka added a touch of the “soul’s adventures in the cosmos” to the science and art of medicine. Therein lies the fountain-head of philosophical ideas, which enliven Ayurveda. Pancabhuta or five elements is a basic philosophical doctrine of Ayurveda. The physical world is known to us through our five senses–sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch, which are located in our eye, ear, nose, tongue, and skin. The identification of the individual with the cosmos and, conversely, that of cosmos with the individual, was regarded as the true measure of knowledge. The origins and sources of knowledge were of great interest to nyaya, vaisesika, sankhya, Buddhist, and Jaina philosophers. The art of winning a debate was so highly prized that Caraka devoted an entire chapter “roga-bhisag-jitiyam” to a discussion on the logical parameters of holding a debate.
