Abstract

ŚĀŚVATA AYURVEDA: CLASSICAL FOUNDATIONS AND CONTEMPORARY EVIDENCE OF ITS SCIENTIFIC BASIS — A CONCEPTUAL REVIEW

Dr. Alka Yadav*, Dr. Karthik, Prof. Rani Singh, Prof. C. S. Pandey

Abstract

Background: Ayurveda is traditionally described as Śāśvata, signifying an enduring and universally relevant science of life. Its classical foundation is based on the understanding of life, health, disease, causation, prevention, and therapeutic management. The concept of Śāśvat is explained through Anāditva (absence of beginning), Svabhāva-saṃsiddhalakṣaṇatva (dealing with phenomena inherent in nature), and Bhāva-svabhāva-nityatva (eternal continuity of natural manifestations). Aim: To explore and analyse the concept of Śāśvata in Ayurveda and examine the classical foundations contributing to its enduring scientific relevance. Materials and Methods: A conceptual narrative review was undertaken through critical analysis of classical Ayurvedic texts, including Caraka Saṃhitā, Suśruta Saṃhitā, Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya, and Aṣṭāṅga Saṅgraha, along with relevant classical commentaries and contemporary scientific literature. The analysis focused on the philosophical principles of Tridoṣa, Pañcamahābhūta, Sāmānya–Viśeṣa, Kārya–Kāraṇa, and Karma, together with the epistemological framework of Āptopadeśa, Pratyakṣa, Anumāna, and Yukti. Results: The review indicates that the Śāśvata nature of Ayurveda is primarily associated with the continuity of its fundamental principles rather than the unaltered preservation of every historical practice. Classical Ayurvedic concepts describe enduring relationships between causes, effects, natural attributes, physiological regulation, environmental interaction, and therapeutic action. The epistemological framework further demonstrates an integrated approach to knowledge acquisition through authoritative knowledge, direct observation, inference, and rational clinical reasoning. The enduring principles of Ayurveda therefore provide a conceptual framework that can be interpreted and applied according to changing biological, environmental, and clinical circumstances. Conclusion: Śāśvata Ayurveda may be understood as a perennial knowledge system whose foundational principles demonstrate continuity, universality, and contextual adaptability. Its scientific foundation lies not merely in the antiquity of its literature but in the systematic relationship between observation, inference, rational reasoning, authoritative knowledge, and clinical application. Thus, the Śāśvata nature of Ayurveda represents the continuing relevance and contextual application of its fundamental principles while allowing critical evaluation of their contemporary utility.

Keywords: Śāśvata Ayurveda; Ayurvedic epistemology; Classical foundations; Evidence-based Ayurveda.