Padartha (पदार्थ)

Padartha literally means 'the meaning of a word' and refers to the fundamental categories of existence as described in t.

Ayurvedic Principles (Siddhanta Kosha) 1 min read
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Sanskrit Verse

द्रव्यगुणकर्मसामान्यविशेषसमवायाभावाः पदार्थाः।

— (Vaisheshika Philosophy - Adopted)

Explanation

Padartha literally means ’the meaning of a word’ and refers to the fundamental categories of existence as described in the Vaisheshika school of philosophy, which is integral to Ayurveda. The primary Padarthas are Dravya (substance), Guna (quality), Karma (action), Samanya (generality), Vishesha (particularity), and Samavaya (inherence). ‘Abhava’ (non-existence) is sometimes added.

Clinical Importance

For a BAMS student, this philosophical framework (Padartha Vijnana) is the lens through which all of Ayurveda is understood. It provides the logical and philosophical basis for understanding the relationship between substances, their qualities, and their actions on the body.