Vagbhata

Vagbhata is one of the most influential classical writers of Ayurveda. His life duration was during the 5th, 6th and 7th AD. His works and contributions are considered as one of the foundational texts of Ayurveda.

Etymology

The name "Vagbhata" is derived from two Sanskrit words. "Vag" means "speech" and "Bhata" means "one who is engaged in". So, the term "Vagbhata" can be translated as "one who is engaged in speech".

Life and Works

Vagbhata is believed to have been born in Sindh (a region now in Pakistan), and was a Buddhist. He is known to have written two major texts - Ashtanga Hridaya and Ashtanga Sangraha. Both these texts are considered as the basic and foundational texts of Ayurveda.

The Ashtanga Hridaya is a concise version of the works of Charaka and Sushruta, and it is believed that Vagbhata was so impressed by these works that he wrote a synthesis of the two. The Ashtanga Hridaya consists of the knowledge of the two schools of Ayurveda, namely, the school of surgery and the school of physicians.

The Ashtanga Sangraha, on the other hand, is a more detailed version of the works of Charaka and Sushruta, and it also includes the knowledge of the school of physicians and the school of surgery. It is believed that Vagbhata was so impressed by these works that he wrote a synthesis of the two.

Influence

Vagbhata's works are highly respected in India and Tibet. In fact, his works are considered as the third pillar of the trinity of Ayurveda. His works are also considered as the basic texts for the study of Ayurveda.

See Also

• Ayurveda
• Charaka
• Sushruta
• Ashtanga Hridaya
• Ashtanga Sangraha

References

Vagbhata Resources
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