(National Seminar on Relevance of Ayurveda, Department of Sanskrit, Pali and Prakrit, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, 2003) Ven. Dhammissara, M.
Ayurveda, the most ancient medical system, valid up to date, is 'a
special branch of knowledge on life dealing with both body and mind.'l The
word Ayurveda has been originated with the two constituents, 'Ayus' and
'Veda'. The former 'Ayus' derived from the root f' (to go), and therefore,
the meaning of the term 'Åyus' is 'continuity Of existence', Simply, 'Jivita' or
'life'. The later 'Veda' derived from the root 'Vid' (to know), and means
'Knowledge 'or 'Science'. Hence, the literary meaning Of Ayurveda is 'The
Science of Life'.
