- Article explains the
research aspects that are inbuilt into Ayurveda.
Abstract
Research follows a scientific way of establishing
facts. All those methods which are used by the researcher during the course of
studying the research problem are termed as research methods. The scientific
method implies an objective, logical, and systematic method. Research is an
organized endeavor. Like any other organized work, research requires proper
planning, that systematizes the research work. It eliminates aimless
intellectual wandering. Database of knowledge creation and its classification
gives a definite structure to any literature. However, it needs a proper
research methodology, without which the structure is incomplete.
Ayurveda experts have followed certain research
methods and methodology. The traditionally established truths need to be validated
in scientific manner. Validation of ancient methods of investigation or
research will ultimately lead to establishment of Ayurveda as a science which
will contribute to broad domain of Indian research methodology. The critical
scientific approach of Ayurveda is evident from various ancient methods. Proper
planning before performance of any task is always advised by authoritative
persons.
Acharya Charaka has given Dashavidha
Parikshya Bhava, i.e. tenfold of
investigation which are necessary for accomplishment of task without
intellectual wandering. The desired objectives can be achieved if
proper planning is done beforehand. This study is an attempt to establish the
applicability of Dashavidha Parikshya Bhava, i.e. tenfold of investigation in
planning of research mentioned in Charaka Samhita.
2.
Introduction
Research commonly refers to a search for
knowledge. Search or inquiry for truth in an intelligent and scientific manner
is called a research.[1] Research inculcates scientific and inductive thinking and it
promotes the development of logical habits of thinking and organization. All
those methods which are used by the researcher during the course of studying
the research problem are termed as research methods. The steps in research can
be broadly classified as planning, operation and reporting.
Research is an organized endeavor. Like any
other organized work, research requires proper planning. Planning is considered
as deciding in advance. It includes the question or issue to be studied,
setting the objectives of the study, and determining the means of achieving
those objectives. It is an intellectual process. It requires intellectual
curiosity, intelligence, imagination, knowledge of the respective field as well
as knowledge of research methodology. It gives direction to the work. The
desired objectives can be achieved if proper planning is done beforehand.
Direction toward planning before actually
beginning with the treatment of the patients has been mentioned in Charaka
Samhita such as, a physician should first of all diagnose the disease and then
he should proceed for treatment,[2] able physicians
always proceed for treatment after proper examination[3] and the wise
physician admire action initiated with due knowledge.[4] Hence, proper planning
before performance of any task is always praised by Apta, i.e. authoritative persons.
Acharya Charaka has mentioned Dashavidha Parikshya Bhava,i.e., ten factors to be assessed which are
necessary for accomplishment of task without intellectual wandering.[4] A physician can accomplish the desired object without any
special effort, provided that he duly initiates action after having full
knowledge of cause or reason (Karana), instrument (Karana), source of action (Karyayoni), action itself (Karya), fruits of action (Karyaphala), subsequent manifestation (Anubandha), habitat (Desha), season (Kala), initiation of action (Pravritti) and means of action (Upaya).[4]
3. Materials and Methods
In this critical review, Dashavidha
Parikshya Bhava (tenfold of investigation) have been compiled
from Charaka Samhita; further, it was interpreted and compared with
contemporary tools of research and major steps involved in research, especially
planning of research.
Dashavidha Parikshya Bhava – as an ancient method of research
In the eighth chapter of Vimanasthana-Rogabhishagjitiyadhyaya, Acharya Charaka has mentioned three different means of gaining knowledge (Trividha Gyanopaya) of science
as learning (Adhyayana), teaching (Adhyapana) and discussions and debates (Tadvidya-Sambhasha).[5]
To defeat the opponent in Vigrihya-Sambhasha (hostile discussion), the physician should have a knowledge of various
tactics, such as 44 Vadamarga (logical
terms useful in discussion) and Dashavidha Parikshya Bhava (tenfold of investigation). According to the Indian
philosophical schools of thought, the antecedent, which is unconditionally and
invariably preceding a change or effect, is known as a reason or the cause.[6]
Charaka Samhita has described effect (Karya) and the reason or the cause (Karana) in context to health and diseased state of the human body.
By understanding and studying the concept of effect (Karya) and the reason or the cause (Karana), one can achieve the chief and final goal of Ayurvedic
system of medicine. Charakokta Dashavidha Parikshya Bhava is an employment of Karya-Karanavada.
These Dashavidha Parikshya Bhava are as follows:
1. Karana (cause or reason)
Karana is the cause of an action. Karana is the definite and inevitable material which initiates the
action and is mandatory for accomplishment of any task.[7] Karana is of three types: intimate cause (Samavayi Karana), nonintimate cause (Asamavayi Karana) and instrumental cause (Nimitta Karana).[8] Acharya Charaka has defined doer, performer of the task or
subject (Karta) as a Karana.[7]
Karta (doer) is an agent who initiates
action independently. Karta is
considered to be the cause of an action. Chakrapaṇi (commentator of Charka
Samhita), says Karta, is the
motivator for other Karana, and Kartritva (doer ship, owning the responsibility for doing an
action) is associated with Karta.
Physician (Bhishaka) is given
prime importance in treatment among four limbs of treatment.[9]
Research is an attitude complemented effectively
by action. The attitudes conducive to research have two aspects: One is
curiosity; the other is courage to question prevalent beliefs and customs. The
action needed for research also has two aspects: one is acquiring existing
knowledge and training in physical and mental skills necessary to do the
activities implied in research and the other is the determination to follow a
plan with performance. One should have the above mentioned qualities to become
a good researcher.
According to Charaka Samhita, a physician is
considered to be endowed with qualities such as examiner (Parikshaka), a person knowing logical planning (Yuktigya), a
person with insightful understanding (Vigyata),
administrator (Shashita), endowed with prescribing knowledge (Yokta) and many more.[10] These are
nothing but the qualities of a researcher such as inquisitiveness, motivation,
interest, commitment and critical scientific approach. Qualities of a physician
(Vaidyaguṇa) as given in Charaka
Samhita can be compared with that of a researcher, as both of them are involved
in the critical study of their respective subject matter.
2. Karana (instrument)
The
instrument which helps an agent to perform an action is called as Karana.
Karana is the instrument which constitutes the means par excellence to the
accomplishment of an action.[11] Drugs (Bheshaja) are considered as Karana
or instrument (Sadhana) of a physician (Karta) for the
accomplishment of treatment.[12] For a researcher, instruments (Karana)
can be considered as research methods employed by him during the course of
studying his research problem. All those methods which are used by the
researcher during the course of studying the research problem are termed as
research methods.
Scientific research methods call for explanations based on collected facts,
measurements and observations and not on reasoning alone.[13] The investigational product or procedures
under trial can also be considered as Karana.
3. Karyayoni (source of an action)
One
which becomes an action by the process of transformation is called as source of
an action (Karyayoni).[14] It can also be said that Karyayoni is
that which attains the status of action after transformation. Source of an
action (Karyayoni) remains in inseparable relation with action or effect
(Karya). A cause transforms itself into an effect. This is considered to
be the origin of action. Karyayoni is a state of imbalance of Dosha-Dhatu-Mala
(Dhatu-Vaishamya) or diseased condition of a patient which is the
area of interest for a physician.[15] In research, source of an action (Karyayoni)
can be considered as a research problem or research question.
In research process, the first and foremost step happens to be that of selecting and defining a research problem properly. A researcher must find the problem and formulate it so that it becomes susceptible to research. A research problem, in general, refers to some difficulty which a researcher experiences in the context of either a theoretical or practical situation and wants to obtain a solution for the same. It is one which requires a researcher to find the best solution for the given problem, i.e. to find by which course of action the objective can be attained optimally in the context of a given environment. A proper definition of research problem will enable the researcher to be on the track whereas an ill-defined problem may create hurdles.[16]
Formulation
of hypothesis, one of the major steps in planning, can also be considered in Karyayoni.
A research hypothesis is a predictive statement, capable of being tested by
scientific methods, that relates an independent variable to some dependent
variable. The formulation of a hypothesis provides a study with focus. It tells
what specific aspects of a research problem to investigate, what data to be
collected, and what not are to be collected, thereby providing focus are to be
the study. As it provides a focus, the construction of a hypothesis enhances
objectivity in a study.
4. Karya (action itself)
Karya or the action is the one whose
accomplishment is kept in view before an agent proceeds to act.[17] Karya (action) is a state
of equilibrium of Dosha-Dhatu-Mala (Dhatu-Samya) which is the
objective of a physician.[18] For a researcher, Karya (action) can
be considered as aims and objectives or purpose of a research study.
The purpose of research is to discover answers to questions through the
application of scientific procedures. The main aim of research is to find the
truth which is hidden and which has not been discovered yet. Although each
research study has its own specific purpose, we may think of research
objectives as falling into a number of the following broad groupings:
- To gain familiarity with a
phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it (studies with this object in
view are termed as exploratory or formulative research studies)
- To portray accurately the
characteristics of a particular individual, situation or a group (studies
with this object in view are known as descriptive research studies)
- To determine the frequency
with which something occurs or with which it is associated (studies with
this object in view are known as diagnostic research studies)
- To test a hypothesis of a
causal relationship between variables (such studies are known as
hypothesis-testing research studies).[1]
Operational phase of research which consists of construction of tools of data
collection, pretesting tools and their revision, collection of data, processing
of data and analysis of data and interpretation of results can also be
considered as a Karya.[19]
5. Karyaphala (outcomes)
Karyaphala or the object of action
stands for the object for which the action is initiated.[20] For a physician, outcome (Karyaphala) is an attainment of happiness, i.e., the state of freedom
from disease.[21] For a researcher, outcome (Karyaphala) can be considered as endpoints or outcomes of the research
study. The variable capable of providing the most clinically relevant and
convincing evidence related to the primary objective of the trial is called as
an endpoint of the study. There are two types of endpoints: direct and
surrogate. Direct endpoint is directly related to the primary objective of the
trial and crucial to specify its precise definition and rationale for
selection. A surrogate endpoint of a clinical trial is a laboratory measurement
or a physiological sign used as a substitute for a clinically meaningful endpoint
that measures directly how a patient feels, functions, or survives.[22] Both these endpoints can be compared with Karyaphala (outcome), which the
researcher tries to achieve through various operations.
6. Anubandha (subsequent
manifestation)
An after effect good or bad is the one which is
bound to leave its impact on the agent after he has performed his action.[23] Longevity is subsequent manifestation (Anubandha) in treatment.[24] Long-term effects of research study can be considered as
subsequent manifestation (Anubandha) in case of research study. Teleological ethics can also be
thought of in this context. Teleological ethics is a theory of morality that
derives duty or moral obligation from what is good or desirable as an end to be
achieved. Thalidomide tragedy is a realistic example of teleological ethics.
Impacts of research on society can also be considered in subsequent
manifestation.
7. Desha (habitat)
Desha (location or habitat) represents the site
favorable or unfavorable to an action.[25] Both the land and the patient constitute Desha (location) in case of a physician.[26] Selection of study site plays an important role in any
research study. Geographical distribution is considered for selection of
samples as well as interpretation of results. Ecological studies can be
considered under Desha (location) factor, which are meant to explore
the statistical connection between disease in different population groups and
estimated exposures in groups rather than individuals. The geographic
information system is a very useful new tool that improves the ability of
ecological studies to be able to determine a link between health data and a
source of environmental exposure.[27]
8. Kala (season)
Kala (season) is nothing but a process of
transformation into seasons, solstices, etc.[28] The year consisting of seasons and the state of the disease
constitute the season (Kala).[29] Time period is also an important aspect for a research study. Analytical research studies such as cross-sectional, case–control and cohort can also be included under season. Inference of the cause from the effect relates to the past. This can be correlated with the case–control study design (i.e., retrospective study). Inference of the effect from the cause relates to the future. This can be correlated with cohort or prospective study design. The commonly observed events at present can be correlated with cross-sectional study design (time prevalence study). Time also relates to season in which study is to be conducted. Epidemiological studies (pertaining to time) also require time factor to be taken into consideration.
9. Pravritti (initiation of action)
Pravritti (initiation of action)
or endeavor represents the initiation of action as a means to the
accomplishment of an objectives and this is an effort as well as beginning of
action.[30] Pravritti (initiation of action) is the effort taken for the
accomplishment of objective. In the context of treatment, Pravritti or endeavor is the initiation of therapeutic action.[12] It represents the action of four limbs of treatment,
physician, medicaments, patient and the attendant. For a researcher, motivation
in research can be considered as a Pravritti (initiation of action).
The possible motives for doing research may be
desire to get a research degree along with its consequential benefits or to
face the challenge in solving the unsolved problems, i.e. concern over
practical problems initiates research, to get intellectual joy of doing some
activity, to be of service to society, or to get respectability.[1] Formal training in research methodology and thorough
knowledge of the subject are not enough for the accomplishment of objective of
study but in addition require motivation to do consistent efforts. Ethical and
scientific aspects also play a significant role in accomplishment of task in
proper way which can be considered under Pravritti.
10. Upaya (means of action)
Upaya (means of action) stands for bringing about
excellence in the agent, the instrument, and the origin of action and their
proper setting.[31] Device has no meaning after an action has been performed. The stage of device comes much prior to the stage of the production of an action. It is not required even in the initiation of an action not after the accomplishment of an object or it’s after effects. It is required in the relation to an agent, an instrument and the origin of action prior to actual initiation of an action. The excellence of the physician and the correctness of the therapy constitute Upaya
(means of action).[12] Excellence of researcher, suitable research methods, proper
selection and definition of research problem, and formulation of hypothesis
helpful for smooth operation of plan of work can be considered as Upaya (means of action). Here, Karana represents researcher with all of his qualities, Karana represents selection of proper research methods, whereas Karyayoni represents proper selection and definition of research
problem.
4. Discussion
As stated in Charaka Samhita, that it is not easy to acquire comprehensive knowledge of the Science of life. Therefore, one should make honest efforts to be in constant touch with this science. The wise consider the entire universe as their preceptor; it is only the unwise who consider it to be their enemy.”[32]
Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine
which means that it has its roots in ancient times and has continued to serve
the society till modern times. Being an ancient belief system, one may get
impression that knowledge of science of Ayurveda is based on arbitrary method
of search for truth. However, this is not at all true. In contrary, Ayurveda is the science of medicine which adopts critical
scientific approach or scientific method to acquire knowledge. To gain clear knowledge of Ayurveda and to apply it in practice, it was necessary to search for scientific devices or methods of approach. This necessity has prompted the authors of ancient texts of Ayurveda to adopt scientific methods. For researches in Ayurveda, a studious inquiry with objectivism and purpose is desired with appropriate methods suitable to the principles and practices of Ayurveda.
The critical scientific approach of Ayurveda is
evident from various ancient methods such as Pramana-Vigyana (epistemology), Vadamarga (logical terms useful in discussion), Dashavidha
Parikshya Bhava (tenfold of investigation), Tantrayukti (principles of documentation), Vaidyavritti\Vaidyaguna (qualities of a physician) and various Nyaya (maxims).
Classical literature of Ayurveda has encapsulated wisdom of protocols for documentations and research in Ayurveda. One of them is “Dashavidha Parikshya Bhava” given in Charaka Samhita.
Charakokta Dashavidha Parikshya Bhava can
be correlated with one of the major steps involved in research, i.e. planning.
Proper planning before performance of any task is always praised by the
authoritative persons.
Application of Dashavidha Parikshya
Bhava in research can be interpreted in
comparative method in [Table 1].
Table 1: Discription of Dashavidha Parikshya Bhava. Click here
to view
It is required to show the applicability of
ancient methods of research in the present era in various fields of research
confined to Ayurveda such as fundamental, literary, clinical and drug research.
The traditionally established truths need to be validated in scientific manner.
Validation of ancient methods of investigation or research will ultimately lead
to establishment of Ayurveda as a science which contributes to broad domain of
Indian research methodology.
5. Conclusion
Research follows a rational way of establishing
facts. Scientific investigation is the key point in all types of research. Charakokta
Dashavidha Parikshya Bhava (tenfold of
investigation) are one of the evidence of critical scientific approach of
Ayurveda. These can be considered as a validation of ancient research methods
and can be fully correlated with contemporary or current research methodology.
Dashavidha Parikshya Bhava
(tenfold of investigation) are instrumental not only for planning of research
in every field, but any organized work would get benefitted by it. The desired
objectives can be achieved if proper planning is done beforehand with the help
of tenfold of investigation (Dashavidha Parikshya Bhava).
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About Author: Vinay Ankush Pawar, Department of Sanskrit Samhita and Siddhant, School of
Ayurveda, D. Y. Patil Deemed to be University, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Article available online/offline on: AYU, Vol. 40, Issue 1,
January to March 2019, Page no.3-7, for more details please visit: www.ayujournal.org
Address
for correspondence: Department of Sanskrit Samhita and Siddhant, School of Ayurveda, D. Y. Patil Deemed to be University, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, Indi
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