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

Clearly written and exceptionally explanatory, this book will change the way you look at Ayurveda. This is a must-read for anymore interested in the practice of Ayurveda when kept to its core and integrity. Before reading the book, I was a bit intimidated the language would be too difficult for me to understand, being fairly "new" to Ayurveda. However, Dr Sanjay Pisharodi explains each chapter in such a way that it is so easy to follow, and he is also able to let the reader clearly understand complex concepts of this incredible and underestimated knowledge that we have now access to in English.I was so inspired after reading Astanga Hrdayam, that I decided to visit Dr Pisharodi's Ayurvedic Center in Vrindavan, and learned that this science works and when practiced how the Vedas intended, it can do miracles.I highly recommend this book, and connecting with Dr Pisharodi. He is an extremely skilled, committed, and well-mannered doctor. He's an expert who has learned from the masters of Ayurveda, and covers all aspects of this ancient science. This book will open and certainly broaden your knowledge of Ayurveda. I cannot wait for the next Volumes.

An incredibly powerful and essential resource to learn authentic Ayurveda! Dr. Sanjay brilliantly bridges the gap between ancient teachings and modern learning. Verse by verse the sanskrit is translated in digestible amounts and Dr. Sanjay encourages the reader to "read between the lines." which strikes my heart and my brain at the same time. There are even questions between the verses that encourages the reader to go deeper in their understanding — to really grasp it. I feel so lucky to have this book — it is a resource I treasure and will use often. It is a must have for any serious Ayurvedic student.

This is a great and must have text book for all people practicing or interested in Ayurveda. It makes the classicals so easy to understand and grasp. I have used this textbook in writing my research paper for college and it was such an amazing help. Actually, I wouldnt have met my paper requirements if it weren't for the help of this specific textbook. Easy to navigate, simple to understand and full of the wisdom of Ayurveda. Thank you Dr. Sanjay for such a gem.

This book include the original text in sanskrit , devanagari, translation word by word and the excellent comments of a vadya of a linear generations of vadyas and a saint

I've only just begun reading this book and so far it is EXCELLENT - I love having the original Sanskrit, a transliteration, translation, commentary, and inclusion of traditional commentaries. I eagerly await the next book (as this is only volume 1)!

So clear and easy to read...

What a treat to finally see this in print! The language is clear for the western student. I'm excited that the original text of Acharya Vagbhata's Astānga Hrdayam is written in Devanagri, transliterated into English for pronunciation, each word is then translated into English and finally the entire śloka (paragraph or phrase) is translated into readable English.The commentaries make it simple to follow the Acharya's (teacher's) thinking process allowing me to go deeper into the text on my own. The additional translated classical commentaries by Arundutta, Hemādri, Parameśvardas, Sridas Panditas, Givindan Vaidya and Kaiikkulangara Ramavariyaar are relevant and enjoyable. Particularly useful for the western student as they have never been translated into English before. I particularly enjoyed studying the commentaries of Hemādri and Arundutta.Dr. Sanjay Pisharodi's commentary on the text helps bring this ancient treatise into current times. The chapters on Rtucharya (seasonal routine) and Dinacharya (daily routine) offers me an opportunity to understand why and how these routines are put together for the benefit of individuals in climates and communities that do not fit into traditional Vedic norms.In this volume Dr. Sanjay Pisharodi also includes an appendix for daily śloka recitation, should I choose to memorize it like traditional Vaidyas do. He has also included an index with both Sanskrit in English terms and where they can be found with in the book.This translation is both practical and philosophical, I can't wait for volume two.

The book is well done but the complete Ashtang Hrydaya is 30 chapters. This covers only the first 4 chapters. And it is a shame that this fact is not advertised anywhere! Will I pay $70 for an incomplete book? Definitely not. If I had known this before I would not have bought this book. Now I feel cheated.