Evolution of GURVADI GUNA– understanding and application: A review

Abstract

Among the shat padarthas told in Ayurveda guna finds a lot of practical applications in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Dravya holds its identity based on the gunas present in it. Ayurveda Samhitas have detailed the panchabhautic composition of gurvadi gunas. We also find references regarding the evolution of Panchamahabhutas srushti utpatti krama their pradhana gunas specific properties and bhutantara praveshakrita gunas imbibed properties during evolution. The concept of pancheekarana explains the evolution of karya dravyas in specific physical forms with gunas imbibed during the process of evolution. Yet the concept is not elaborate and clear enough to be applied to understand a disease and treat it. Dr. Purushottam Hirlekar in his book lsquoShareeram Tattva Darshanam Naama Vaataadi Dosha Vijnanamrdquo has tried to put some light on the evolution of gunas. The concept of evolution of gunas from bhutasamyoga combination of mahabhutas explained by him appears to be more practical as a disease can be properly understood by applying this concept of evolution of a wide range of gunas from five mahabhutas. The possible application of this concept in diagnosis and treatment has been discussed with a few examples which support its practical applicability.