Charaka-Samhita — trans. Kaviraj Avinash Chandra Kaviratna

Certain objects act upwards (as fruits of Randia dumetorum) ; while others, (as Trivrit or Ipomcea Turpethuni) act downwards. This difference of action is brought about by difference of potency.25

The diverse kinds of acts which result from gems and other articles worn on the body are all due to the potency of those objects. Potency is said to be inconceivable.26!

Some object produces the intended action through taste ; some through energy ; some through the properties ; some through assimilation ; and some through potency.27

‘Sahavasthana,’ i.e., lying of the object within the body, implying its retention within the system. Energy is ascertained from the symptoms that manifest themselves after con¬ tact and before assimilation. Thus, pepper is pungent, judged by what appears from its contact with the tongue. It is keen and hot ; these constitute its energy ; whether it is constipating or otherwise, whether it increases semen, &c., are results depending upon assimilation or digestion. Those results are technically called assimilation — T.

* This is illustrated in the next Verse, — T.

f That operation or effect of an object which is not due to taste, energy, and assimi¬ lation, is said to be due to potency. Potency is said to be inconceivable, being incapable of ascertainment by mere knowledge of taste, energy, and assimilation. — T.

I Gems are commonly worn, as also roots and barks, &c., enclosed within little drums of gold, in the belief that these ward off evil and particular diseases. The diverse kinds of action manifested by these is due to what must be called their potency. — T.

p. 321

In cases where there is uniformity of attributes in Taste and the others (viz., in Energy, Assimilation, and Potency), Tasteis sub¬ jugated by Assimilation ; both of them, again, are subjugated by Eenergy ; and all three are subjugated by Potency. Even such is the natural force of each of these.*28

By what has been said above, Assimilation and Energy and Potency have been sufficiently explained.

We shall, after this, lay down instructions respecting the modes by which the (six) Tastes may be ascertained.29

An object having a sweet taste, when placed in the mouth, olifies it (i.e., dispels all sensation of dryness), produces pleasure and joy, and also a sensation of softness. By these is Sweetness ascertained. Besides, the whole mouth seems to be filled with it and a sensation of adhesion results from it.30

From tenderness of the teeth, the appearance of saliva, of perspiration (on the body), awakening of the mouth, and a burning sensation of both the mouth and the throat, as soon as the object is placed in the mouth, one should say that its taste is Sour.31

That object which, when placed in the mouth, produces a tem¬ porary sensation of pleasure and, causing the appearance of saliva and other secretions from the glands of the mouth, fills it with a sensation of softness and soon after with a sensation of burning, should be known as Saline in taste.32

That object which, as soon as it is brought into contact with the tongue, produces a sense of pain and pinches it and, causing also a sensation of burning, leads to a discharge of secretions from the mouth, nose, and eyes, is said to be Pungent.33

That object which, on coming into contact with the tongue, pains it much and destroys its relish, and which, producingthesensa-

* Vide note at the end of this Lesson.

p. 41

p. 322

CHAR A KA-SAMEITA.

tfon of dryness and the reverse of sliminess, makes us cheerless, should be known as Bitter.34

That object which brings upon the tongue a sensation that is the very reverse of sliminess, as also of contraction and rigidity, and which seems to contract the throat also and stretch the heart, is to be known as possessing the Astringent taste.35

Unto the illustrious Punarvasu the son of Atri, Agnive^a said, — O illustrious one, we have heard duly thy words fraught with truth and wealth of meaning on the subject of drugs and their action. We desire now to listen to thy instructions in detail on the indications of the unsuitability of dietary modifications.1*

Unto him the illustrious son of Atri said that certain things being hostile to the elements or ingredients of the body, (if taken) produce hostile effects on those elements or ingredients.

Of these, some (though suitable to the ingredients of the body) become hostile to those ingredients in consequence of their being mixed with others that are hostile.

Some become hostile in consequence of dressing or of ad¬ mixtures made for giving them relish. Some become so through considerations of place, time, measure, &c.

And lastly, some become so in consequence of their nature.2

On this subject, of those things which are very generally used as food, we shall lay down instructions on only a portion, selecting only those that are hostile.3