Ayus (आयुस्)

Sanskrit Verse

शरीरेन्द्रियसत्त्वात्मसंयोगो धारि जीवितम्। नित्यगश्चानुबन्धश्च पर्यायैरायुरुच्यते॥

— (Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 1/42)

Explanation

Ayus, or life, is defined as the conjunction of the Sharira (physical body), Indriya (sense organs), Sattva (mind), and Atma (soul). It is called ‘Dhari’ because it prevents the body from decaying, ‘Jivita’ because it keeps it alive, ‘Nityaga’ because it is transient, and ‘Anubandha’ because it binds one life to the next.

Clinical Importance

This definition establishes the four essential components of a living being. Ayurvedic treatment is holistic precisely because it aims to bring balance to all four aspects—the body, senses, mind, and soul—to promote a long and healthy life (Ayus).