From
Beef
prohibited by ‘Charak samhita’ !
Countering
statement of scientist P. M. Bhargava regarding beef
Scientist (?) P. M. Bhargava’s statement that ‘Beef is a remedy on many
ailments as per Ayurveda’ is half truth. Characteristics of beef are given in ‘Charak Samhita’ and its use
in ailments is also given. We shall see these
references as they are; but before that, it is necessary to understand the
condition prevailing during the ancient times.
·
During ancient
times, a student studied
‘Dharma-shastra’ before Ayurveda’, therefore, he knew that beef was not to
be consumed : Earlier in ancient times, ‘Ayurveda’ used to be
taught in Gurukul. Before taking admission to study Ayurveda, a student
had to study ‘Dharma-shastra’ and Hindu Dharma-shastra teaches that
‘Killing a cow was a big sin and consumption of beef was prohibited’ in
different contexts.
·
Ayurveda is a science and it has reference of
characteristics of every substance: Why
characteristics of beef were mentioned in ‘Charak-samhita’ should be thought
about with context to the then period. ‘Ayurveda’ is a science and it is said
‘Sarvam Dravyam Pancha-Bhautikam Asmin Arthe’ (Charak-Samhita, Sutra-sthan,
Adhyay 26, Shloka 10) which means even substance made of ‘Pancha-Bhautika’
is a medicine. It is the principle of Ayurveda and science based on it explains
characteristics of every substance; therefore, characteristics of beef are also
explained.
·
Bhargava has told half facts
misguiding people which is vicious on his part : A Saint has said in his discourse ,
“If you want to go to hell, drink liquor !” Now, if someone says that the Saint
advised to have liquor, it would be vicious. Similarly, Bhargava’s statement is
misleading.
·
Bhargava’s statement is
illogical : Few
ailments, which have been stated to be cured by consumption of beef, have
several alternate remedies explained in ‘Charak-Samhita’; therefore, will
anyone advise to consume beef instead of other medicines as prescribed in
‘Charak-Samhita’ ? So, those making statements for cheap publicity based on
half knowledge of ‘Charak-Samhita’ will only consume beef’ and should be
treated as an exception.
·
It is first explained that beef is not good for health
and then the exceptions are explained as beef curing
certain ailments. It is like the saying in English ‘Exception proves the rule’.
Bhargava stated exception; proving that beef should not be eaten which is the
rule.
Read the full article HERE.
Related article:- An
open letter to Dr P.M.Bhargava on his return of Padma Bhushan award.
