Acharya Vagbhata's Astanga Hrdayam Vol-1: The Essence of Ayurveda (Ashtanga Hridayam Series)

Book info: Acharya Vagbhata's Astanga Hrdayam Vol-1: The Essence of Ayurveda (Ashtanga Hridayam Series) (Paperback, 592 pages) – Dr.Sanjay Pisharodi, 2016. Language: English.

For students of Ayurveda who are unable to read Sanskrit, learning the intricacies of this subtle and complex healing science is challenging, if not impossible. Without the ability to transfer the principles expounded in the ancient texts into practical application according to the time, place, and person being treated, proper results cannot be achieved. During his own study of Ayurveda, Dr. Sanjay Pisharodi discovered some of the available English translations to be incomplete and inaccurate. In his book, Dr.Pisharodi presents the most authentic English translation of the Ashtanga Hridayam to date. This book has word by word translation of each sanskrit verse , exact translation and transliteration of each verse , author's own commentary as well as translation of the commentaries of other Acharyas for that particular verse. This book gives unparalleled access to the knowledge imparted in the Ashtanga Hridaya. Because it is the most practical, concise, and clinical in its presentation and contains the essential points from all the great classics, this text serves as an excellent teaching tool. This text acts as a vital bridge connecting international students of Ayurveda with the ancient sages and great teachers of this fascinating healing tradition. Editorial Reviews Review "Ashtanga Hridyam is one of the three great ancient classics of Ayurveda and among
these, perhaps the most comprehensive and easy to understand. Dr Sanjay Pisharodi
has provided an excellent new English version of the text that includes the Sanskrit,
transliteration, translation and a lucid commentary that makes this Ayurvedic classic
accessible in all of its depth and detail. I regard it as the best version of Ashtanga
Hridaya available. All serious students of Ayurveda, East and West, can benefit from
studying the book and keeping it as an important reference guide."
-Dr. David Frawley (Paṇḍit Vāmadeva Śāstri)
Padma Bhūṣaṇ (3rd highest civilian award) in 2015 by the President of India
Director, American Institute of Vedic Studies
Founder and first president of American Council of Vedic Astrology


"Though among Ayurveda's brhat trayi Astanga Hrdayam is today the most actively
consulted and employed of the three, a translation of this work by Vagbhata (whose
name literally means "Language Expert") worthy of its author has long sadly been
lacking. At long last this lacuna has been filled, with this effort which is written in
clear, grammatical English and contains in addition traditional commentaries. All
serious students of Ayurveda will find this rendition of great benefit, a book which is
likely to actively benefit the spread of the Science of Life to all who require it."
-Dr. Robert E Svoboda
First person from the western world to complete the BAMS degree from India
Author of the section on Ayurveda in Encyclopaedia Britannica 2000, Prakriti, Aghora etc.

Svadhyaya (self study) of the Astanga Hridaya is a continuous exercise that an
aspiring physician has to engage with to get established in the Ayurvedic
thought process and to apply it in clinical practice. This process can be
compared with repeated diving into the ocean to collect precious gems that lie
on the ocean floor. Every time, the diver comes up with new discoveries and in
a similar manner, the diligent student of the Astanga Hridaya is able to
discover many layers of meanings and principles of Ayurveda through the
constant svadhyaya. Dr. Sanjay's verse by verse, word by word translation and
interpretation of the Astanga Hridaya is a good example of harvest that can be
reaped through Svadhyaya. I am sure this work will serve as a stimulation for
aspirants of Ayurveda to engage in a deeper study of the text.
-Dr. Ram Manohar
Research Director at Amrita School of Ayurveda
Director and Chief Scientific Officer at AVP Research Foundation