Ayurveda in Transition (Essays in Memory of Aryavaidyan S. Varier)

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Preface This is the centenary year of Aryavaidyan S. Variar who served the Arya Vaidya Sala for a long period from 1932 to 1988 in various capacities. S. Variar to me was an elder brother, friend and guide. The period of his tenure was crucial for us in several ways. First, it was a period of growth and development of the institution. Second, the system of Ayurvedic treatment was under pressure for structural changes in production of medicines and practice of therapeutics due to the requirements of our clientele. Third, there was an unprecedented increase in the demand from all sections of society for the medical care provided by the Arya Vaidya Sala. S.Variar was our Chief Physician during this period of hectic activities. Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for all the classical panchakarma treatment and the reputed Kerala therapies were started and established in our Nursing Home strictly in accordance with a hospital concept under his able leadership, supervision and participation. Above all, it was a period of transition of the indigenous health care from hereditary methods to modern strategies. S.Variar was always ready for keeping abreast with the traditional modes on the one side and modern approaches on the other. He was, throughout his career, engaged in adhiti studying, bodha, keeping awareness, acharana practising and pracharana propagating of what he acquired from his Gurus and from his experiences.

Introduction The science and practice of Ayurveda are both presently in a veritable state of transition. They have their traditionality firmly rooted in the uniquely Indian cultural moorings. Yet they have opened up their wings of expansion into the wide horizon of globalisation and consequent modernity. There are ardent protagonists vehemently arguing for retaining their pristine ethos. Not any less passionate are those who plea for ruthlessly shedding the past and crossing over to the challenging new world of modernity. This dichotomic situation is there for everybody to see in all departments of Ayurvedic academia and profession. Transition is, indeed, taking place. And very rightly so. This compact compilation of authoritative writings is a convincing proof of that edifying situation, if it needed any proof at all.

**Contents and Sample Pages**