Page 18 - NAMAH-Jan-2023

A Critical Review of Kaala (Time) in AAyurveda

Dr. Jasmine Sehgal, Dr. Bhavna Singh, Dr. Harsh Sehgal

Abstract
Kala (time) is an abstract entity, one of the nine Karana Dravyas (causative elements in the fabric
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of creation), quantified for the practical purposes of executing all the activities. This review aims
to explore its ancient understanding and its resonance with the contemporary notion of time
by renowned theoretical physicists and the importance of Kala, in Ayurveda. The ancient sutras,
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being cryptic in nature, defined Kala as Eka (continuum), Sarvavyapaka (pervasive or ubiquitous),
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Nitya (eternal), Svayambhu (without any cause). Kala finds diverse applications as Ayanas (half
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of sidereal year) and bodily changes, Rtu Cakra (seasonal rhythms), Roga Nidana (a factor in
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aetiology), Shatkriya Kala (pathogenesis), Avasthika Kala (state of the disease), Ausadha Kala (time of
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medicine administration), Kala Virudha Ahara (dietary incompatibility), Ausadha Samgrahana Kala
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(collection of herbs) etc. Moreover, nature (exogenous rhythms) and human body (endogenous
rhythms) also pertain to Kala (time). Time is the basis of entire transformation.
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an insight into the profundity of Ayurvedic
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literature. The AAcaryas of Ayurveda, namely,
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Caraka and Sussruta gave very reflective
definitions of Kaala. These ideas reverberate
with the contemporary notion of time.
Two types of Dravyas (matter) have been described
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in the Ayurvedic texts, i.e. Karana Dravya (causal
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matter) and Karya Dravya (effectual matter). Karya
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Introduction is Vyaktavastha (manifested stage) and Karana is
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Avyaktavastha (unmanifested stage). It is only the
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Cause and effect are mediated across time. transformation of form or stages (1).
Every activity of mankind happens with
reference to Kala. The fundamental principle Kaaranna (causal) — there are nine Kaaranna Dravyas,
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of Kala, apropos the present idea of time, gives which constitute the building-blocks for all the
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