Significance of Caraka
The keyphrase "Caraka" refers to various significant aspects of ancient Indian medicine and Ayurveda. Caraka is recognized both as an ancient physician and a scholar whose teachings laid the foundation for understanding the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. He revised earlier texts like those of Agnivesha, contributing greatly to Ayurvedic medicine's pharmacology, nosology, and medical classification. Caraka's contributions are considered canonical in Ayurveda, emphasizing the study of medicine for the well-being of all living beings.
In Dutch: Karaka; In German: Caraka; In Finnish: Caraka; In Swedish: Caraka; In Malay: Caraka; In Spanish: Caracola
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Caraka'
Caraka in Hinduism is a pivotal figure in Ayurveda, renowned for revising ancient medical texts and emphasizing the principles of health, including the vital functions of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, influencing medical knowledge and practices significantly.
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) An ancient physician whose teachings outline the functions and importance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha in the body.[1] (2) Caraka is one of the oldest Ayurvedic texts detailing various aspects of pharmacy, therapies, and the understanding of medicinal substances.[2] (3) An ancient text that categorizes medical practitioners and discusses legitimate medical practices.[3] (4) An ancient medical scholar who emphasized the importance of studying medicine for the well-being of all creatures.[4] (5) An influential figure in Ayurvedic medicine known for his contributions to nosology and disease classification.[5]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) A figure who revised the treatise by Agnivesha, contributing to the medical knowledge in the text.[6] (2) A reviser of the original treatise, known for making significant contributions to Ayurvedic medicine.[7] (3) A historical figure who revised the work on the pharmaceutics of bitter luffa.[8] (4) A renowned figure in ancient medical writings responsible for revising the treatise compiled by Agnivesha.[9]
The concept of Caraka in local and regional sources
Caraka is a pivotal figure in Ayurvedic medicine, known for re-editing Agnivesha's work and producing a canonical text referenced by practitioners. His teachings influence others, including Sushruta, and he is renowned in medical literature.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This individual's works are commonly regarded as the three canonical sources of Ayurvedic medicine and his work is referenced in the text.[10] (2) Caraka re-edited the work of Agnivesha, and his edition was later supplemented by Dridhabala. The chapter colophons of the Compendium of Caraka describe the work, and the dates of Caraka's redactions are discussed in relation to other historical periods.[11] (3) This is the name of an author, who is associated with a book on medicine, which is preferred among books on the subject.[12] (4) Caraka is a person whose teachings are followed by those who are skillful, according to the provided text, and they are desirous of hearing those of Sushruta.[13]