Cāru-caryā: Discovering the Ikigai of Daily Living and Well-Being from Eleventh-Century India

A bstract Introduction: “Cāru-caryā” is a significant eleventh-century Sanskrit treatise dedicated to the principles of healthy living. It was written by King Bhoja of Dhara Kingdom. This text concentrates on preventive-promotive care, personal grooming and hygiene on a routine basis. It offers detailed instructions on various aspects of daily life, making it an essential resource for understanding holistic wellness in historical context. Objective: This review aims to illuminate this lesser known Ayurvedic text, highlighting its potential for scientific exploration and validation. Materials and Methods: The review is based on a detailed reading of Cāru-caryā, with comparisons to classical Ayurvedic texts. The analysis includes thematic categorization of contents. Results: The text offers insights into various aspects of daily and seasonal regimens, aligning with classical Ayurvedic principles. Additionally, it discusses lesser-known domains such as vestimentary science (attire and dressing), ornamentology (jewelry and materials), trichology (hair care), dietetics (nutrition and dietary practices), and domestic architecture (housing details and furnishings). The treatise also classifies practices based on the societal structure of the time, advocating a form of inclusive health guidance akin to the modern “Health for All” approach. Conclusion: Cāru-caryā presents a comprehensive perspective on healthy living, extending beyond conventional Ayurvedic texts. Its detailed exploration of lifestyle practices offers a rich foundation for further scientific inquiry and validation, reaffirming the significance of traditional knowledge in contemporary health research.