Yogaratnakara the book of mid seventeenth century, written by yet unknown author, but extremely well known in the Ayurvedic world, is like a sun, throwing light on all aspects of ayurveda not seen in any other available book on ayurveda, however, since the book is compiled in the period when surgery was almost not being done by ayurvedist thus the references of subject matter related to salyavijnana (surgery) are scanty; knowledge of sarira (anotomy) being more important to surgeons also finds itself concised in few verse only. It is probably single available book which describes in detail ‘astavidha pariksa’ i.e. examination of pulse, urine and stool. The book is boon for those who desire to know ayurveda in depth and practice medicine only, but not dare to fathom the sea of voluminous books; as it describes in detail basic concepts of ayurveda, herbal herbomineral and metallic preparations alongwith their identification and properties of individual plant and metals or sumetals and also method of purification and killing of metals etc.; then method of preparation of recipes as well-as the dosages and after medications. After elaborating aeteopathogenesis, prodromal and clinical features, prognosis, and complications, etc. detailed preventive, promotive, rehabilitative and curative methods and also cleansing therapy (sodhana cikatsa) is given.
Present English translation done is simple language makes it accessible to those who are not well verse in hindi or samskrta. Thus the book is very useful for students, teachers and research workers all alike. |
