Analysis of tantrayukti (methodological tools of textual interpretation) usage in Kalpasiddhi sthana (section on purificatory recipes, pharmaceutics and successful management) of Ashtanga Hridaya

Abstract

Background: Tantrayukti represents systematic methodologies used by ancient Ayurvedic scholars to structure and interpret texts. Understanding these methodologies is essential for accurate comprehension of classical treatises. Aim and Objectives: To analyse the usage and distribution of tantrayukti in all the six chapters of Kalpasiddhi sthana of Ashtanga Hridaya. Materials and methods: A literary analysis was conducted using the Kalpasiddhi sthana of Ashtanga Hridaya along with the Sarvanga Sundara commentary. Usage and distribution of tantrayukti were enlisted and tabulated chapter wise. Results: The distribution of various tantrayukti like adhikarana, yoga, padartha, swasamjna, prayojana, nirnaya, apavarga, ateetapeksha, anagatapeksha, ekanta, niyoga, vidhana, vikalpa, samucchaya, vakyasesha, upadesa, atidesa, apadesa, oohyam, nidarsanam, viparyayam, naikanta, arthapatti, nirvachanam, samsayam, anumatam, uddesa, nirdesa, prasanga and sambhava across all the six chapters of Kalpasiddhi sthana of Ashtanga Hridaya was obtained with significant variation in frequency and type. Conclusion: The application of relevant tantrayuktis help to interpret the concise and technically structured presentation of the text and facilitates deeper understanding of the intended meaning. Adhikarana tantrayukti helps identify the principal subject matter of each chapter, while prayojana clarifies the therapeutic purpose of the procedures described. Niyoga and upadesa are evident in the explicit instructions regarding drug selection, preparation, dosage and administration. Apadesa and atidesa assist in understanding statements where principles are implied or extended to related clinical situations. Uddesa and nirdesa are particularly useful in analysing the progression from general principles to specific clinical instructions. Prasanga helps connect related concepts occurring at different stages of the discussion, whereas ekanta and anekanta facilitate critical interpretation of statements that are either universally applicable or dependent on particular conditions. Arthapatti is useful where an intended meaning has to be inferred from the context rather than understood from the literal statement alone. A tantrayukti-based analysis therefore provides a structured approach to understanding apparently concise or implicit statements and strengthens both the textual interpretation and critical study of Ashtanga Hridaya Kalpasiddhi sthana.