Significance of Rasayana
Rasayana is a concept within Ayurveda encompassing rejuvenation therapies and practices aimed at promoting health, longevity, and vitality. It includes medicinal procedures designed to maintain resilience against aging and disease, utilizing specific herbal formulations. Rasayana is recognized as a crucial aspect of Ayurvedic practice, highlighting the significance of rejuvenation substances in restoring overall health. Additionally, it is associated with enhancing vitality and improving resistance to illness, reinforcing its role as a fundamental element in traditional Indian medicine.
Synonyms: Rejuvenation, Revitalization, Restoration, Renewal, Therapy, Elixir, Vitality, Longevity, Anti-aging
In Dutch: Rasayana; In German: Rasayana; In Finnish: Rasayana; In Spanish: Rasayana; In Swedish: Rasayana; In Malay: Rasayana; In French: Rasayana
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Rasayana'
In Buddhism, Rasayana may be interpreted as a highly nutritious concoction crafted by Cunda for the Buddha, symbolizing nourishment not only for the body but also potentially for spiritual sustenance and well-being.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A special highly nutritive concoction that some say Cunda prepared for the Buddha.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Rasayana'
Rasayana in Hinduism represents a branch of Ayurveda dedicated to revitalization and longevity, encompassing therapeutic practices, medicinal formulations, and dietary strategies that promote health, prevent aging, and enhance vitality. It also symbolizes deeper spiritual nourishment.
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) Rasayana refers to a category of Ayurvedic drugs aimed at revitalization and promoting longevity, health, and vitality.[2] (2) A branch of Ayurveda focusing on rejuvenation and longevity, referenced concerning knowledge passed down to Atreya and others.[3] (3) Medicinal procedures in Ayurveda focused on rejuvenation and maintaining the body鈥檚 resilience against aging and disease.[4] (4) The branch of Ayurveda dedicated to vitalization, promoting health and longevity.[5] (5) A branch of Ayurveda focused on rejuvenation and longevity.[6]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) Refers to the category of medicinal treatments aimed at rejuvenation, longevity, and enhancing vitality.[7] (2) A term referring to rejuvenative therapies aimed at promoting longevity.[8]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 1: Sutrasthana
(1) A branch of Ayurveda focused on rejuvenation therapy and promoting longevity through specific dietary practices and medicinal formulations.[9]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
(1) A term referring to the white variety of Vaikranta, which is considered the best for rejuvenation and health.[10] (2) A term that denotes a rejuvenating substance or treatment, indicated as a significant characteristic of the described medicine.[11] (3) A type of medicine that can prevent and cure diseases and senility when used as prescribed.[12] (4) Batsa-nabha is also used in rasayana, an aspect of Ayurvedic medicine focusing on rejuvenation.[13]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 2: Minerals (uparasa)
(1) A term for a type of medicine that prevents and cures physical decay and senility, for which purified mica essence is prepared.[14]
The concept of Rasayana in local and regional sources
Rasayana, meaning 'chemistry of the body,' encompasses rejuvenation techniques in Ayurveda, linking herbs for longevity and health enhancement. It relates to alchemical practices and achieving superpowers while emphasizing medicinal formulations and longevity recipes.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) In Sanskrit texts, this refers to a broad set of notions and practices dealing with the improvement of health, rejuvenation, extending the lifespan, and the processing of mercury, metals, and minerals for medical treatment, also considered one of the eight canonical branches of Ayurveda.[15] (2) Rasayana is a potion that is understood in the Patanjalayogashastra's commentary to mean herbs, and is glossed by Shankara鈥檚 Vivarana as eating soma, amalaka, and other ingredients.[16] (3) This term, in Tibetan transliteration, can refer to tantric transmutation in various contexts, particularly when dealing with material substances like liquids and pills, often found in Ayurvedic longevity recipes.[17] (4) Rasayana is a technique and formulation, an integral part of the classical ayurvedic canon, often focusing on rejuvenation, and it is a significant aspect of ayurvedic practice.[18] (5) Rasayana is a concept that Patanjali related to herbs, and it is mentioned in the context of generating superpowers, particularly when considering the mansions of Asuras and the like.[19]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The Rasayanas were a sect in India who believed in the importance of a strong body to achieve spiritual goals, and they sought to make the body immortal through chemical processes.[20]