Rasa Yoga Shatakam- A Compilation of One Hundred Rasa Yogas

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About the Book Rasayogashatakam is basically a compilation of around one hundred Rasayogas done by Sri Pradyumnacharya of Hyderabad. Composed during the last century, the book aims at providing easy preparation which proves to be handy is Ayurvedic practice. Reflecting the vast knowledge of the original author in this field, the book also contributes to the research field exposing a number of grey areas and providing valuable directions.

The same has been translated to English which an intention of making the ancient wisdom of Rasashastra more accessible to seekers across the country which would be of invaluable help to all.

About the Author Dr. Harsha N M has completed his UG and PG studies from JSS Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital, Mysuru, Karnataka. Later he served in the same institution as Lecturer and Reader for more than ten years in the department of PG studies in Rasashastra. During this tenure, he has taken an active part in teaching and research. Recognized as a PG guide by RGUHS, Bangalore, he has guided three PG dissertation works apart from presenting papers, writing several scientific papers and review articles and being a resource person. His works on lesser known preparations of Rasashastra like Chendamarutam Chenduram, Rasapatangam, etc have received critical acclaims.

Currently Dr. Harsha NM has been serving as the Principal - Medical Superintendent of Shiva Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital at Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh since 2016.

Foreword I have great pleasure in writing these lines as a prelude to the translation work done may pet disciple Dr. N.M. Harsha. Though he has not been under my guidance directly, we have an association of more than fifteen years. He has keen interest in the subject coupled with inquisition nature and sober approach.

The Author of the original Sanskrit version, Vaidya Sri.

Pradyumnacharya, an erudite scholar and a staunch follower of Ayurveda, is known for his scholasticity and power of remembrance of any reference in Samhitas. Pradyumnacharya Nilangekar served in the Govt. Ayurvedic College, Hyderabad. His students are spread over the country and they have highest regard and fondly remember him now. The work seems to be collection of most of his clinical experiences where in the mercurial prescriptions occupy major chunk. Composed in chase Sanskrit, as suits to the personality of Pradyumnacharyaji, the verses tender catching tips for successful practice.

Dr. Harsha has put in sincere effort in bringing out the substance from the verses in a lucid manner. It is now in the fitness of things to unravel the treasure of experiences which give instantaneous results. This is evidence based Ayurveda traditionally. Thus the effort of Dr. Harsha is commendable which will go a long way in preserving and pursuing the practical knowledge of Ayurvedic practice.

Introduction Recording of knowledge has been a favorite area among the scientists and truth seekers of ancient India. The best ex- ample for this is the Vedas which are considered to be most ancient records of human knowledge. And this has been continuous throughout the history. In the field of Ayurveda, there were written so many books and treatises that even after miss handling of these records due to various reasons, the knowledge of Ayurveda has been flowing besides maintaining its relevance.

Rasashastra, which was included in to Ayurveda around 8th century AD, had its existence since the Vedic times if not before which is evident from the enormous literature serving as its foundation. Rasashastra exhibits almost all features suggestive of its independent existence. But the fate had it that Rasashastra and Ayurveda be united to have the strength to withstand the onslaught of other invading medical systems. This development had two effects. First - Ayurveda sustained the difficult period of invasions and co-existence and second - the tremendous Tantric literature backing Rasashastra lost its importance as it was not visibly connected to the prevalent medical practices. And then, it was the time of beautiful conjugation and development of two very old systems as one system with an all new look.

The researches which were carried out later, involved both sciences equally to revolutionize the native healing practices of the land. Even then, Rasashastra maintained its uncanny ability to appear curious and attract the minds of people. This can be justified by the fact that, Rasashastra has the maximum number of books written on it than any other branch of Ayurveda. It is quite possible that the liberal practitioners were more sought by the public than orthodox practitioners and this might have resulted in most medical practitioners developing an interest in Medical practitioners developing an interest in Rasashastra and its formulations.

With the pure intention of seeking truth (in this case, en- Suring the health benefits to the needy) researches kept happening at various pockets without coherence. These involved local and specific variables which again. had two effects. First - drugs and formulations showed varied applicability and thus. pharmacopeia and pharmaceutical knowledge increased by leap and bounds and second - for an outsider, the whole picture looked clumsy and with full of ambiguity.

Since the beginning of 19th century. we have been trying to understand our own sciences through the spectacles of Western researchers who did not understand the culture based on which a certain branch of knowledge had been erected and thus, we are unable to showcase our heritage in front of the world. This is causing a great and sometimes, irreparable damage to our rich knowledge of the bygone era.

In case of Ayurveda and especially Rasashastra, there is a dire need to correct the misconceptions, modify the misinterpretations and abolish the myths. The reader mustn't under- stand this as a clarion call to do away with whatever is modern; on the contrary, this is a call to emphasize the need of just understanding and prompt exhibition of the ancient knowledge by which ever means.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages