Chaturvidha Sutras Described by Acharya Dalhana

Article by Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ay) & Dr Manasa S, B.A.M.S

 Meaning of Chaturvidha Sutras

Chatuh / Chatur = four

Vidha = types

Sutras = textual verses or aphorisms

Who has described Chaturvidha Sutras?

Acharya Dalhana is the commentator of Sushruta Samhita. He has composed Nibandha Sangraha. In this treatise, Dalhana, in Nibandha Sangraha explains that the text / treatise incorporates in its core structure, the chaturvidha sutras i.e. four distinct types of aphorisms (textual verses).

Purpose – The sutras and understanding of them would help us to understand the authority, source and context behind different kinds of statements made in the treatise – Sushruta Samhita in this context.

Which are the four types of Sutras?

“चतुर्विधं सूत्रं भवति- गुरुसूत्रं, शिष्यसूत्रं, प्रतिसंस्कर्तृसूत्रं, एकीयसूत्रं चेति ॥” Dalhana on Su.Su.Ch.1

The Sutras are of four types – Guru Sutra – words of a preceptor, Shishya Sutra – words of a disciple, Pratisamskarta Sutra – words of a redactor and Ekiya Sutra – words or opinion of other experts’. (Dalhana)

Below mentioned are the four kinds of Sutras defined and explained by Acharya Dalhana

1. Guru Sutra – Guru means teacher, guide or preceptor. In this context, it is Divodasa Dhanwantari. The sutras directly spoken, preached or advocated by revered preceptors are called Guru Sutra – ‘the teacher / preceptor’s sayings’.
2. Shishya Sutra – Shishya means disciple or student. In this context, it is Acharya Sushruta. The Sutras related to i.e. said or asked by a disciple constitute Shishya Sutra. In short, they are statements, verses or questions formulated by the disciple / disciples – ‘the disciple / student’s statement / say / verse / question’.
3. Pratisamskrita Sutra – One who does redaction of the treatises is called Pratisamskrita i.e. redactor. In this context, it is Acharya Nagarjuna. The Sutras stated by the redactor are considered Pratisamskrita Sutra – ‘the redactor’s redacted / revised or updated notes’.
4. Ekiya Sutra – Ekiya here means ‘the other experts’ who have written their views on particular parts or verses of the shastra (classics) and have put forth their alternate opinions or specific views regarding the same. The Sutras written / advocated / said by other experts or contemporary authorities are called Ekiya Sutras.

All these can be considered as ‘textual methodologies’ which help in structural text analysis.

It is interesting to see how Acharya Dalhana strongly applies the methodology framework of Chaturvidha Sutras to his Nibandha Sangraha commentary on the Sushruta Samhita (Sutra Sthana Chapter 1) though this concept was neither new nor unique to Ayurveda since the very concept of Chaturvidha Sutra originated in early Ayurveda commentaries like that of Acharya Chakrapani on Charaka Samhita as a part of structural text analysis. Chaturvidha Sutras can be considered as a traditional classification of analyzing ‘textual methodology’.

Guru Sutra – the preceptor / teacher’s statement

These are not mere statements or sayings, they are in fact the teachings. There were broadly two schools of Ayurveda in the ancient days, one school which imparted medical knowledge and the other school which would impart surgical knowledge and practices, of course along with Ayurveda fundamentals, which were common for both schools. The students of Ayurveda learnt the subjects they chose from the teachers / preceptors who are experts in those fields. The system is the same even in modern day learning. The initial phase of learning comes through the teacher or preceptor. Teachers were also considered as Aptas in ancient days, i.e. people who had immense knowledge of everything along three timelines i.e. past, present and future and anything they said or teacher was true to every word and worth documenting, studying and passing it along the next tiers of timeline, to future generations. This was unadulterated knowledge which could be tapped by any disciple being in the close proximity of a preceptor and submitting himself or herself to the process of learning. Everything said or taught by a preceptor in the process would become Guru Sutra.

In short, Guru Sutras are preceptor’s statements or aphorisms spoken directly by the teacher which would impart medical knowledge. Guru or preceptor as far as Chaturvidha Sutras in relation to Sushruta Samhita is concerned, is Divodasa Dhanwantari. Ref – Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 1.

Example of Guru Sutra –

“अहं हि धन्वन्तरिरादिदेवो नराणां नृणामार्तिविनाशनार्थम् ।” (Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/22)

Herein we can see that Lord Divodasa Dhanvantari considered as Guru in Guru Sutra makes an authoritative statement and says ‘I am indeed Dhanvantari, the primordial deity. I have descended to the Earth to alleviate the diseases and miseries haunting humanity’.

Acharya Dalhana references this statement (and such statements) wherein the preceptor speaks with ultimate and supreme authority as Guru Sutra. These aphorisms would put forth the fundamental clinical truths.

Shishya Sutra – the disciple’s statement / disciple’s questions

Education and learning would be meaningful and fruitful if the vibe and chemistry between the Guru and Shishya – disciple is strong and unfettered. When the disciple syncs in with the teachings of his Guru with utmost focus, dedication and concentration, the learning would transform into undeterred and unquestionable knowledge. In this process, the student should never be a silent spectator and receiver. He or she will have their own doubts and queries. If they do not raise these questions, which by themselves are sutras, the learning remains incomplete.

Shishya Sutras are statements or questions / aphorisms made by the disciple which would facilitate biphasic communication in the process of learning and would contribute to the comprehensive learning by the disciple without loose-ends and doubts left over.

As a teacher, I have always believed that I am still a student and have kept that student in me alive, open to any knowledge from any direction. A question or doubt generated by a student has evoked new perspectives of the subject I already know and has added different dimensions to my understanding of Shastra in different ways. Shishya Sutras play a vital role in comprehensive learning and would bring out the best in a teacher.

In short – Shishya Sutras comprise statements / aphorisms of a disciple in the process of learning. It also encompasses verses formatted and presented in the form of questions or doubts or structural submissions raised by the student, mainly towards and in the direction of his or her teacher. Herein, Acharya Sushruta is designated as Shishya in the Chaturvidha Sutras, the student who is authorized to question while learning. The questions raised by Sushruta and statements made therein towards his teacher Divodasa Dhanwantari, to complete the cycle of comprehensive learning are considered as Shishya Sutra. Ref – Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 1.

Example of Shishya Sutra –

“भगवन्! शारीरमानसआगन्तुकव्याधिपरितापितानां… उपशममर्थं… आयुर्वेदं श्रोतुमिच्छामः ।” (Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/4)

Herein we can see that Acharya Sushruta considered as Shishya in Shishya Sutra, makes a statement in the form of a request / prayer to his preceptor Lord Divodasa Dhanvantari and says – ‘O Lord (Dhanwantari), We, your disciples, would desire to hear and learn Ayurveda for the relief of living beings who are affected by physical and mental diseases and also illnesses caused by external agents – due to injuries and trauma’.

Acharya Dalhana opines that these sections wherein there is a classical dialogue format taking place in the form of Guru Sutra – preceptor’s statement and Shishya Sutra – disciples’ queries would form the foundation for Samvada – medical discussion through dialogues. The questions, statements or prayers and requests put forth towards his preceptor form the shishya sutra. The Samvadas between Guru and Shishya would establish and document the precise doubts generated and systematic clarifications requested by the disciple in the process of learning and gaining knowledge.

Pratisamskrita Sutra – the redactor’s statement / verse

Pratisamskara Karta i.e. the redactor is an important member in structural learning and analysis of ‘textual methodology’. Therefore, the sutras of pratisamskara karta hold a very important place in Chaturvidha Sutras.

The Guru – preceptor teaches. The authoritative statements made by them become Guru Sutra. In the process, the disciple comes up with questions, requests and prayers in the direction of needed clarifications. These questions and the answers received in response from the Guru become a dialogue until there is a conclusive clarity about the subject in discussion. The redactor i.e. pratisamskarta would add or edit this Samvada later in the timeline. This beautifies the textual methodology wherein added opinions, interpretations and clarity would be included without hurting the core content and emotion of the treatise. The contribution of Pratisamskarta i.e. redactor in the process of learning Ayurveda and perceiving the knowledge of the same in a comprehensive way is immense and undebatable.

In short – Pratisamskrita Sutra comprise of the statements or interpretations and clarifications inserted into the textual understanding and methodology or structural markers added and the editing inserted therein by the redactor of the texts in the concerned treatises so as to link the chapters or attribute dialogue. Herein, Acharya Nagarjuna is designated as Pratisamskarta in the Chaturvidha Sutras. Taking the other school of Ayurveda learning, Acharya Charaka who has redacted the original Agnivesha Tantra is the redactor. In fact Charaka Samhita, the popular treatise and one among the Brihat Trayis – the greater trio of Ayurveda is named after the redactor himself, showing the importance of Pratisamskarana – redaction and Pratisamskrita Sutra in the textual methodology. Reference – contextually, Pratisamskrita Sutra has been integrated at the beginning or end of the chapters.

Example of Pratisamskrita Sutra –

“अथातो वेदोत्पत्तिं नामाध्यायं व्याख्यास्यामः । इति ह स्माह भगवान् धन्वन्तरिः ॥” (Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/1-2)

Herein we can see that Acharya Nagarjuna considered as Pratisamskarta in Pratisamskrita Sutra, makes a statement and says – ‘Now, we shall expound the chapter named Vedotpatti (The origin of medical knowledge) as was spoken of by (described by) the venerable Lord Dhanwantari’.

According to Acharya Dalhana – the narratives explained in the example above, like ‘Thus Spoke the Lord….’ are classified as Pratisamskartri Sutra’. We can infer that since the original author never writes their own introduction and hence should have been done by the redactor himself, who also structures the historical context.

Ekiya Sutra – the alternate expert’s statement or opinion

Ekiya Sutras are the statements, opinions or verses wherein the text records an alternative theory or a conflicting or singular theory which are held and put forth by other contemporary medical experts or other schools of thought i.e. eke or ekiya. These can be considered as ‘other significant references or statements / opinions’ given by other experts or contemporary authors or authors of different timelines and schools of learning in relation to the subject or topic in discussion. They may be referred to and mentioned in a treatise to substantiate, support or contradict a statement or theory proposed in the text. It can also be considered as ‘comparative study’ with the help of statements or aphorisms of other experts and contemporary authors, which would give an alternative perspective or enrich the existing perspective. The ekiya sutra may or may not be appreciated or accepted in the current discussion happening in a text / treatise, but will hold a significant place which would enrich the discussions.

In short, Ekiya Sutras are the verses, statements or opinions of the other experts or contemporary preceptors which become an integral part of learning methodology wherein the treatise formally records a conflicting, singular or alternative theory held and put forth by other experts or schools. Reference – Sushruta Samhita, Sharira Sthana.

Example of Ekiya Sutra –

“कुमारस्य शिरः पूर्वमभिनिवर्तत इति कुमारशिरा भरद्वाजः…” (statement made by Kumarashira Bharadvaja similar to that cross-cited in Sa. Sha. 6 / Cha. Sha. 6)

Herein we can see that an alternative opinion or statement of Kumarashira Bharadwaja has been discussed as the verse says – ‘According to the expert opinion of Kumarashira Bharadwaja, the head of the fetus is the very first organ to develop in the womb of the mother’.

Acharya Dalhana defines the different viewpoints of other preceptors or experts given in the treatise (Sushruta Samhita in this context) as Ekiya Sutra. These describe the debates among the ancient sages regarding embryogenesis, dhatu formation or processing of rasas outlined by Acharya Sushruta in the treatise.

Chaturvidha Sutras – Acharya Dalhana vs Acharya Chakrapani

It is interesting to note that both Acharya Dalhana and Acharya Chakrapani (commentator of Charaka Samhita) have discussed Chaturvidha Sutras as forms of text analysis. Though the foundation is the same, they have adapted them to align with their respective text lineages – Sushruta Samhita and Charaka Samhita respectively. Acharya Chakrapani embraces these learning tools in Ayurveda Dipika commentary on Charaka Samhita, Acharya Dalhana adapts the same in his Nibandha Sangraha commentary on Sushruta Samhita. While Chakrapani uses it in relation to the needs of the medical school of learning (kayachikitsa sampradaya), Dalhana uses them to meet the needs of the surgical school of learning (shalya tantra sampradaya) of the Sushruta Samhita.

Chaturvidha Sutras Comparative Study in accordance to different schools of learning in Ayurveda

Particulars	Acharya Chakrapanidatta (Charaka Samhita)	Acharya Dalhana (Sushruta Samhita)
Commentator of	Charaka Samhita	Sushruta Samhita
School of learning	Kaya Chikitsa – Internal / general medicine	Shalya Tantra – Surgical science
Pradhana Guru – main preceptor (applicable for Guru Sutra)	Acharya Punarvasu Atreya	Bhagawan Divodasa Dhanvantari
Pradhana Shishya – main disciple (applicable for Shishya Sutra)	Acharya Agnivesha	Acharya Sushruta
Pratisamskarta – the redactor	Main redactor – Acharya Charaka Supplement redactor – Acharya Dridhabala	Acharya Nagarjuna
Shaili – study methodology	The Chatushka Method is adapted. The study method is analytical and philosophical.	The study method is more practical, direct and focused on learning and teaching of surgical protocols, anatomy and surgical instruments.

Structural Adaptation of Chaturvidha Sutras by Acharya Dalhana and Chakrapani

1. Guru Sutra –
2. Dalhana / Sushruta Samhita – The sutras represent the voice and words of King Divodasa Dhanwantari who himself declares that he is an incarnation of Bhagawan Dhanwantari – the God of medicine. The language and style of the discussion herein are deeply imperial and decisive. The structure of teaching focuses heavily on hands-on structural and surgical procedure, anatomy and surgical anatomy.
3.   Chakrapani / Charaka Samhita – The sutras herein denote the celestial teachings of Lord Atreya, the main preceptor of this school of learning. As an academic head and authority, he is seen to give lessons on different topics including pharmacology, etiology, medicine and cosmic principles of life, with authority and clarity.

2. Shishya Sutra –
3. Dalhana / Sushruta Samhita – We can see that Acharya Sushruta’s queries towards his Guru show urgency for clarity and are immensely action-oriented and practical. His questions are related to physical materials, practicing surgery on dummies and surgical models and structural management of wounds and accidental wounds.
4.   Chakrapani / Charaka Samhita – Acharya Agnivesha’s questions mainly focus on complex systemic logics and fundamental basics. Example – the questions are structured around and oriented towards deeper understanding of concepts like those related to absolute nature of the mind and reasons for manifestation of diseases differently in different prakritis.

3. Pratisamskrita Sutra –
4. Dalhana / Sushruta Samhita – Pratisamskarana or redaction is mainly credited to Acharya Nagarjuna. Through Pratisamskrita Sutra, Acharya Dalhana identifies sections of the treatise where Acharya Nagarjuna has chiseled and polished the verse meter or added advanced chemical purification and also metallurgical references to ancient surgical practices and formulations.
5.   Chakrapani / Charaka Samhita – Charaka Samhita has a history of layered redaction. Acharya Agnivesha’s original work / treatise was first redacted by Acharya Charaka. Centuries later, Acharya Dridhabala filled in the missing chapters to the treatise. Using Pratisamskrita Sutra, Acharya Chakrapani separates the parts of the treatise which belong to Acharya Charaka and those parts which have been redacted by Acharya Dridhabala.

4. Ekiya Sutra –
5. Dalhana / Sushruta Samhita – Acharya Dalhana focuses these aphorisms on intense physical debates. Example – In Sharira Sthana we can find described different opinions given by different experts regarding the embryonic development and manifestation of different parts of the body at different times. The sages are seen to debate over which fetal body part forms first – the head, the heart or the gut. Dalhana uses this Sutra to maintain a neutral recording of these divergent theories of anatomy.
6.   Chakrapani / Charaka Samhita – Various famous philosophical symposia have been recorded in Charaka Samhita. Example, the debate on the origin of man and disease in chapter 25 of Sutra Sthana. Acharya Chakrapani highlights this Sutra to describe these symposia.

To Sum up,

Acharya Dalhana uses Chaturvidha Sutras to make the readers and students of Ayurveda understand the speaker who takes central stage to describe things at different moments in the treatise. With this a student will be able to differentiate between a query asked by a student (shishya sutra) and a conflicting opinion put forth by other experts (ekiya sutra) without any confusions, with an absolute authority and command from the Guru – preceptor.

On the other hand, Acharya Chakrapani uses Chaturvidha Sutras to showcase that Charaka Samhita is a continuous, unbroken and logical thread which connects all aspects of pure medical science and translates the same into comprehensive textual methodology and understanding.

Related AIAPGET Questions

1. Which are the Chaturvidha Sutras described by Acharya Dalhana?
2. Nidana Sutra, Chikitsa Sutra, Ahara Sutra, Vihara Sutra
3.   Dinacharya, Rutucharya, Sadvritta, Achara Rasayana
4. Guru Sutra, Shishya Sutra, Prapisamskarta Sutra, Ekiya Sutra
5.   Aptopadesha, Pratyaksha, Anumana, Yukti

Ans – c. (Su.Su.Chapter 1)

2. Which among these is not a Sutra included in Dalhana’s Chaturvidha Sutra?
3. Ekiya Sutra
4.   Chikitsa Sutra
5. Pratisamskarta Sutra
6.   Shishya Sutra

Ans – b. Chikitsa Sutra. (The fourth one is Guru Sutra).

3. “अहं हि धन्वन्तरिरादिदेवो नराणां नृणामार्तिविनाशनार्थम् ।” is
4. Shishya Sutra
5.   Ekiya Sutra
6. Guru Sutra
7.   Pratisamskarta Sutra

Ans – c. Guru Sutra.

4. “भगवन्! शारीरमानसआगन्तुकव्याधिपरितापितानां… उपशममर्थं… आयुर्वेदं श्रोतुमिच्छामः ।” is a
5. Pratisamskarta Sutra
6.   Shishya Sutra
7. Ekiya Sutra
8.   Guru Sutra

Ans – b. Shishya Sutra.

5. “अथातो वेदोत्पत्तिं नामाध्यायं व्याख्यास्यामः । इति ह स्माह भगवान् धन्वन्तरिः ॥” is a
6. Guru Sutra
7.   Shishya Sutra
8. Ekiya Sutra
9.   Pratisamskarta Sutra

Ans – d. Pratisamskarta Sutra

6. “कुमारस्य शिरः पूर्वमभिनिवर्तत इति कुमारशिरा भरद्वाजः…” is a
7. Ekiya Sutra
8.   Pratisamskarta Sutra
9. Shishya Sutra
10.   Guru Sutra

Ans – a. Ekiya Sutra.