INTERPRETATIVE METHODOLOGY IN AYURVEDA: EXPLORING THE APPLICATION OF NYAYA MAXIMS
Dr. Vikas Bhardwaj*, Dr. Pankaj Sharma, Dr. Sahana C.
ABSTRACT
Samhitokta-Nyaya refers to logical maxims, interpretative principles, analogies, and expressions of general truths employed in classical Ayurvedic literature to elucidate subtle, implicit, and context-dependent meanings. The concise Sutra-style presentation of the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Astanga Hrudaya often requires interpretation beyond literal translation. This article explores the concept, classification, application, and significance of Nyayas in Ayurvedic textual interpretation. A conceptual and textual review of the principal Samhitas and authoritative commentaries was undertaken, with emphasis on textual context, provenance, analogy, and practical application. Nyayas may broadly be classified as Laukika, based on familiar worldly experiences, and Shastriya, used within technical or doctrinal contexts. They facilitate clarification of implicit meanings, resolution of apparent contradictions, determination of the scope of statements, and application of general principles to specific situations. Their relevance extends from textual interpretation to physiology, diagnosis, therapeutics, education, and research. Thus, Samhitokta-Nyayas constitute an important component of Ayurvedic hermeneutics and provide a structured approach to contextual understanding and clinical application of classical knowledge.
Keywords: Nyaya, Ayurveda, Samhita, Hermeneutics, Sutra, Textual Interpretation.
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