The Nervous System in Yoga and Tantra (Study)
by Ashok Majumdar | 1981 | 72,079 words
This study deals with the presentation of the Nervous System in Yoga, Tantra and Ayurveda. Yoga and Ayurveda are allied sciences dealing with science of man in depth. Whereas Yoga and Tantra are the rich sources for the knowledge of nervous system and its biological and metaphysical aspects. This study has revealed a number of hither to unknown fac...
9. Normal functions of Pitta
The principal function of Pitta is to maintain the body by supplying heat to it. The special features of Pitta, according to Charaka (CS.Su.18:50) are the proper functioning of - (1) Slight, (2) Digestion, (3) Heat, (4) Hunger, thirst and softness of the body, (5) Radiance of the body, cheerfulness and intelligence. According to Susruta (SS.Su. 15:4), these are 1. Colouration or pigmentation, 2. Digestion ( and production of the Ojas-Dhatu the ultimate product of digestion), 3. Sight, 3. Intelligence, 5. Heat, As in the case of Vayu, these can be interprated as the respective functions of the five Pittas. We see, therefore, that although Charaka has not made the usual five divisions of Pitta, he has nevertheless enumerated the different functions which are specially attributed to the five Pittas. This is also the case with Kapha.