The Exemplifications in Sushrut Samhita – ancient methods of teaching and learning.: Drushtanta

Abstract

Ayurveda is regarded as one of the ancient most science which is having it’s root of origin in vedic literature. In vedic period, the teaching and learning were dependant on Guru Shishya Parampara were-in the knowledge was given by the teachers to the disciples direcly by speech. The literatures were made easy to understand with help of describing and comparing the principles with examples such as exemplifications. Exemplification means giving specific, vivid examples for the purpose of adding more information to explain, define and illustrate a general idea and to elaborate the main idea. Exemplification make the literature easy to understand and it plays a very important role in learning and teaching in Ayurvedic Samhitas. In Ayurved exemplification is called as Drushtanta. Drushtanta is a part of Tantrayukti. Tantrayukti means a logical compilation of a text. Tantrayukti is very essential to understand the science in correct way. Better understanding of Shastra is only possible with the knowledge of Tantrayukti. It provides knowledge of writing techniques, explains hidden meaning. Sushruta-Samhita is not merely a surgical text. It is a comprehensive encyclopedic work on Ayurveda as a whole including its fundamental principles  This article will help readers to know more about Drushtanta and it’s application in Sushrut Samhita.