The Caraka Saṃhitā states that nourishment of the human body is derived from Rasa in the section Sūtrasthāna, Chapter 26, Sūtra 9.
“.… the source material for the manifestation of Rasa is based in the primary category of matter related to cohesion; nourishment & emaciation are the actions of Rasa ….”
Rasa means:
the essence of any living substance
juice, liquid, fluid
taste, the sense of taste, the tongue
love, affection, desire
charm, pleasure, delight
feelings, sentiment
tranquility, contentment
the inclination for something
Nourishment according to Āyurveda is: “Any substance, when taken correctly, that sustains tissue metabolism, gives contentment to the mind, and evokes emotions such as delight is considered nourishing”
Rasa is a multidimensional concept in Āyurveda. It is much more than taste or juice - it is the essence of being. I am speaking this Friday evening in Amsterdam on this subject. Come and join us.
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