Charaka

Comprehensive Theosophical Dictionary

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Charaka

50 - ?

Charaka

(Sk.)

(50 - ?)

A writer on Medicine who lived in Vedic times. He is believed to have been an incarnation (Avatara) of the Serpent Sesha, i.e., an embodiment of divine Wisdom, since Sesha‐Naga, the King of the “Serpent” race, is synonymous with Ananta, the seven‐ headed Serpent, on which Vishnu sleeps during the pralayas. Ananta is the “endless” and the symbol of eternity, and as such, one with Space, while Sesha is only periodical in his manifestations. Hence while Vishnu is identified with Ananta, Charaka is only the Avatar of Sesha. (See “Ananta” and “Sesha”.) (TG). Ancient Indian sage and physician associated with the Charaka-samhita, which presents Atreya’s medical teaching transmitted through Agnivesa. Zirkoff records traditions connecting him with King Kanishka and the legendary incarnation of the serpent-king Sesha. (BCW 5:371-372).

Some links:

• Quotes: H. P. Blavatsky, Zirkoff, Boris
• CTD article in Russian: Чарака

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Lifetime: 50 - ?
Shortly: A writer on Medicine who lived in Vedic times. He is believed to have been an incarnation (Avatara...