Vedānta Darśana and the Concept of Consciousness

This chapter argues that the concept of consciousness (Cetanā or Puruṣa) in Ayurveda is rooted in Vedāntic metaphysics, where an absolute non-dual consciousness manifests into biological functions governing cognition, perception, and vitality (Āyu). Through textual analysis of classical Indian orthodox schools and manuscript evidence, the authors propose a model linking fundamental consciousness to physiological homeostatic systems, offering insights for psychosomatic therapeutics and integrative healthcare. The work synthesizes traditional philosophy with modern mind-body medicine and neural science, contending that this framework provides deep epistemological insights for advanced therapeutics.

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Abstract

The philosophical foundations of Ayurvedic epistemology and macrocosmic-microcosmic relations (Loka-Purusha Samya) are deeply anchored in classical Indian orthodox schools of thought, particularly Vedānta Darśana. This chapter presents a rigorous textual analysis of the concept of consciousness (Cetanā or Puruṣa) by examining structural parallels between Vedāntic metaphysics and classical Ayurvedic ontological frameworks. It details how the absolute non-dual consciousness manifests down into biological functions, governing cognitive processing, sensory perception, and existential vitality (Āyu). Synthesizing traditional text engineering methodologies, manuscriptology evidence, and philosophical concepts with modern mind-body medicine and neural science, this study structures a comprehensive evidence-based model that demonstrates how fundamental consciousness guides physiological homeostatic systems, offering deep epistemological insights for advanced psychosomatic therapeutics and integrative healthcare paradigms. Keywords: Vedānta Darśana, Siddhanta, Consciousness, Cetanā, Epistemology, Manuscriptology.