Kala in Ayurveda
Etymological derivation, Lakshana and division / units, significance in Ayurveda
Introduction
Kala can be defined as a season. Kala has been described in Ayurveda as a factor which has neither a start nor an end. The change resulting from an earlier situation to succeed or present situation is known as Kala. It is also known as Parinama. Each and everything of this universe or cosmos, undergoes change. The changes evident in the universe or cosmos are bound to follow a definite order. The same implies to the physical body of the human beings. These changes are inevitable and are going on without any break. Kala is the principle reason for the vicious cycle of birth and death among human beings.
Definition
Kala is defined as the mandatory reason for the construction and destruction of all the substances of the universe.
Divisions of kala
Depending on The Changes Occurring in The Human - Body and In the Three Biological Humors with The Time, Kala Is Broadly Classified Into:-
- Jaiva chakra
- Adhi Bouthika chakra
1. Jaiva Chakra
The three biological humours including vata, pitta and kapha, during ageing and senescence, are exposed to metabolic changes:
2. Adhi Bouthika Chakra
The anatomical and physiological changes that occur in the human-body from the intake of food-stuffs are part of the Adhi Bouthika chakra. Kapha, the biological water, predominates when the digestion of food-stuffs initiates. Pitta, the biological fire, predominates when digestion of the food- stuffs is in the intermediate stage. Vata, the biological air, predominates when digestion of the food- stuffs is in the last stage.
Saura Chakra
Here the Division of Kala is Based on the Solar Solstice:-
- Aadan Kala (Summer solstice)
- Visarga Kala (Winter solstice)
According to Chakrapani and other Ayurvedic scholars, year (Samvatsara in Ayurveda) (year) is a combination of the two solstices (Ayana) (solstice) and six seasons (Ritu). The the two solstice (ayana), Uttarayana and Dakshinayana are better called as Adana kala and Visarga Kala, respectively. Seasons (ritu) have great impact on the healthy state, three biological humours, digestive capacity (bala), and taste (rasa) . Season plays a significant role during the establishment of Prakriti.
According to ayurveda fundamental concepts, at the start and the fag end of Visharga and Adana periods, respectively, the Agni of the huma beings shall be weak. During the middle of the adana kala, and middle stage of visharga kala, metabolic fire shall be either be medium or moderate. During the end and beginning respectively the agni of individuals will be best.