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Application of Tantrayukti (Means of Interpreting Science) in Research

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 J. res. tradit. medicine | May - Jun 2016 | Volume 2 | Issue 3 DOI:
10.21276/jrtm.2016/159
Review Article - Ayurveda QR CODE

Application of Tantrayukti (Means of Interpreting

Science) in Research Methodology
1 2 3
Anil D. Avhad*, Manjiri Walinjkar , Hitesh A. Vyas , R.R. Dwivedi
*Assistant Professor, Department of Samhita Siddhanta, Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College, Hospital & Access this article online
Research Centre, Wardha, Maharashtra, India, 1PG Scholar, Department of Kayachikitsa, SCM Aryangla
Vaidyak Mahavidyalaya, Satara, Maharashtra, India, 2Asst. Professor, 3Ex-Professor, Department of Basic Website:
Principles, Institute for Post graduate Teaching & Research in Ayurveda, Gujarat Ayurved University, www.tmjournal.org
Jamnagar, Gujarat, India.
Received: 21/06/2016 Revised: 07/07/2016 Accepted: 11/07/2016

Abstract
Background: A careful analysis of Ayurveda treatises reveals that there is a comprehensive approach
regarding research. Tantrayukti is the methodology or technique or systemic approach of studying a
science to interpret its correct unambiguous meaning for its practical application. Aim: Analysis of
application of Tantrayukti in research methodology. Materials and Methods: Review of ancient classical
texts like Charakasamhita and Sushrutasamhita, textbooks and articles on research methodology, web
sources, etc. were done to analyze the Tantrayukti in the perspective of its application. Results: After
analyzing the literary material it was observed that both Acharya Sushruta and Charaka have similar
opinions regarding the denition and application of Tantrayukti except a few, however the number
mentioned varies from 32 to 36 respectively. Along with this, it was observed that most of the Tantrayukti
(30 of them) have striking similarities with the terms of research methodology. Conclusion: Tantrayukti
can be said as the ancient concept of critical analysis and means of understanding or interpreting science
which can be compared as the various components of research methodology.
Keywords: Ayurvedic lexicons, Research Methodology, Tantrayukti
Introduction

R
esearch is an integral part of any academic
and non-academic learning, innovations, and
developmental activities. Research is being
conducted in all academic and developmental
institutions, however, most of these does not meet the
[1]
expected level of scientic methodology . A careful
analysis of Ayurveda treatises reveals that there is a
comprehensive approach regarding research along
with the research process noticeable in different
categories according to the expected focus or
direction of thought, within a frame of reference.
Available literature sources in Ayurveda not only
highlight the research attitude, but also elaborate the
methodology to the minutest of its details. It is
important to remember that research crux is
substantial in the text all the time, indirectly. The
difference is; today’s methodology of research and
statistics have become consequentially separate
scientic branch associated with each respective
segment of knowledge.
The authors of classical texts were well aware of the
scientic writing and hence specic method of
writing has been used everywhere in the texts.
Ancient authors have used some methodology while
composing the texts in the form of Sutras (verses) to
concise and precise the knowledge [ 2 ] . So, this
knowledge may not be perceived by everyone as it is
hidden and but they were kind enough to describe
specic tools to understand this brief knowledge.
Ancient scholars followed various grammatical and
compositional tools while writing their treatises and
Tantrayukti is one of them.
Tantrayukti is the methodology or technique or
systemic approach of studying a Tantra (science) to
interpret its correct, unambiguous meaning for the
precise practical application [3] . Proper usage of
Tantrayukti serves the purpose of understanding the
depth of knowledge of the classics and their
Corresponding address:
Dr. Anil D Avhad
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Samhita Siddhanta
Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved, College, Hospital & Research
Center, Salod (H), Wardha, Maharashtra, India,
Email: anilavhad4u@yahoo.com

Avhad, et al.: Application of Tantrayukti in Research Methodology 81

J. res. tradit. medicine | May - Jun 2016 | Volume 2 | Issue 3

application in a proper way. The present article deals Along with this, it was observed that most of the
with the brief description of each Tantrayukti and its Tantrayukti have striking similarities with the terms of
application in various elds of research research methodology. Keeping this in mind, 30
methodology. Tantrayukti are discussed below with their
application in research methodology (table 1).
Materials and methods:
The present literary research material included the Discussion:
classical texts like Charakasamhita, Sushrutasamhita, Description of Tantrayukti and their application:
other ancient lexicons and articles of research 1. Adhikaran – refers to the name of the topic/subject
methodology and web sources, etc. All the necessary that is taken up for the study i.e. subject matter. It
material was collected from the said sources which indicates the central theme that the author intends
was critically analyzed and interpreted to establish to expound in his treatise. In the eld of research,
the probable correlation between Tantrayukti and Adhikarana refers to the subject or the area with
research methodology. which the researcher is going to deal with. The rst
and one of the most important requirements of the
Observations: research process is to delineate the research study
[4]
Acharya Charaka has described 36 Tantrayukti area clearly which helps to decide the boundaries
whereas 32 Tantrayukti has been explained by Acharya of research. While selecting the topic, a researcher
[5]
Sushruta . The former has explained four Tantrayukti is advised to consider few things like the area of
viz. Prayojana (purpose), Pratyutsara (refuting other's interest, upcoming trends, and burning issues in
view), Uddhara (establishing own view) and Sambhava the society or something else in which he is
(possibility) which are not found in Sushrutasamhita. compatible. In a nutshell, the topic for the research
Vagbhata also mentioned 36 Tantrayukti which are should be FINER i.e. feasible, interesting, novel,
similar to Charaka and Sushruta. Both Charaka and ethical and relevant[6].
Sushruta have similar opinions regarding the
denition and application of Tantrayukti except few 2. Yoga – means the proper arrangement of words or
like Pradesha (partial enunciation), Atidesha sentences together so as to convey the meaning
(determination of a future event), Vidhana (order of
sequence), Nirvachana etc. Table 1: Tantrayukti vis-à-vis Research terminology
Sr. no. Tantrayukti Research term inology
1 Adhikaran (Subject m atter) Research area/topic
2 Yoga (Proper arrangem ent) Scientific w riting
3 H etwartha (Extension of argum ent) Reference
4 U ddesha (Concise statem ent) A bstract
5 N irdesha (Descriptive statem ent) W hole article
6 Pradesha (Partial enunciation) Sam pling
7 Pradesha (Determ ination of present from past) Retrospective study
8 Prayojana (Purpose) A im s and Objectives
9 U padesha (A uthoritative instructions) Research guidelines
10 Apadesha (Reasoning a statem ent) Discussion
11 Atidesha (Determ ination of future event) H ypothesis
12 Arthapatti (Im plication) Discussion
14 Prasanga (Repetitive) -
15 Purvapaksha (Question w ith objection) Research question
16 N irnaya (Final decision) Conclusion/result
17 Ekanta (Categorical statem ent) Conclusion
18 Viparyaya (Inferring the opposite) Opposite Im plication
19 Apavarga (Exception) Exclusion criteria
20 Vidhana (Order of sequence) W riting m ethodology
21 Anum ata (Confession) Inform ed consent
22 Vyakhyan (Detail explanation) Review of literature
23 Sam shaya (Doubt/Contrary) Bias
24 Atitavekshana (Retrospective reference) Referencing
25 U hya (Logic/deduction) Discussion
26 Sam ucchaya (Grouping) Data collection
27 Pratyutsara (Refuting other’s view ) Discussion
28 U ddhara (Establishing ow n view ) Discussion
29 Sam bhava (Possibility) Probability
30 Sanniyoga (Dictate) Positive correlation/inference

Avhad, et al.: Application of Tantrayukti in Research Methodology 82

J. res. tradit. medicine | May - Jun 2016 | Volume 2 | Issue 3
correctly without giving any scope for
misinterpretation. Acharya Charaka has given the
example of Pratidnya (proposition), Hetu (reason),
Udaharana (example), Upanaya (application) and
Nigamana (conclusion) while describing Yoga
Tantrayukti. This example is applicable in research
articles where IMRAD (introduction, methods,
results and discussion) pattern is followed usually
to highlight the research work sequentially. The
researcher after collecting the data should arrange
or classify it in a proper manner for the correct
interpretation and conclusion.
3. Hetwartha – is a statement made in a particular
context that is applicable to the other situations as
well. In other words, it is the extension of an
argument. While writing a research article, the
researcher generally quotes the statements from
previous researches so as to justify his work.
Mainly, in review articles and also in the
discussion part, the researcher has to cite all those
statements which are similar/ associated with his
work. Thus, Hetwartha can be compared with
‘referencing’ in research methodology.
4. Pradesha – when there are many objectives of a
topic and all of these cannot be explained in one
place, then in a given situation, only a partial
statement is made in the form of a sample which is
known as Pradesha as per Charaka. As per the view
of Acharya Sushruta it is the determination of
present action from past events. It resembles with
the retrospective study design which is based on
information which is already available in the
records. If the view of Acharya Charaka is taken,
Pradesha can be considered as a representative part
of a whole which denotes the sampling technique.
In clinical research it is not feasible to study of all
the available cases of particular disease due to
various limitations, therefore sampling is used
which is the process of selecting a few (sample)
from a bigger group (population) to become the
basis for estimating or predicting the prevalence of
an unknown piece of information, situation or
outcome regarding the bigger group. The
advantage of sampling is that it saves time as well
as nancial and human resources[7].
5. Uddesha– means making a concise statement
having wider implications. In research, the whole
research article is summarized in a concise form
known as abstract which includes its purpose,
methods, main ndings and conclusion [8].
Avhad, et al.: Application of Tantrayukti in Research Methodology
6. Nirdesha – the above mentioned concise statement
(Uddesha) is amplied later, which is known as
Nirdesha. Hence the complete body of the research
work or an research article can be compared to
Nirdesha.
7. Prayojana – is the purpose for which a treatise is
composed. Prayojana can be correlated directly to
the aims and objectives of the research work. The
aims are the statements of intent usually written in
broad terms. They set out what the researchers
hope to achieve at the end of the research. Scientic
objectives explain what, where and for what
purpose. The objectives framed should be SMART
i.e. specic, measurable, achievable, relevant and
time bound [9].
8. Upadesha – the preceptor's instructions included in
a treatise are known as Upadesha. It is the guideline
for doing a thing in a particular way. In order to
achieve smooth progress of research, while
preventing exploitation of human subjects, it is
mandatory that every proposal of biomedical
research involving human subjects as well as
animals should be cleared by an appropriately
constituted institutional ethical committee. The
ethics committee is also responsible for regular
monitoring of the compliance of the ethical
guidelines of the approved protocols, till the same
are completed. The Indian Council of Medical
Research has laid down special guidelines for
[10]
clinical trials of drugs and medical devices .
Research is considered as a team work in which the
researcher makes some instruction to the staff and
his subjects which should be followed for smooth
conduction of research. On the other hand the
researcher himself is expected to follow the
instructions of the sponsor/guide.
9. Apadesha – when a statement is made, the reason
for making such a statement is provided which is
thereafter known as Apadesha. In research
methodology such phenomenon is mostly
observed in the 'discussion' part of the research
article. The observations and statements made by
the researcher have to be supported by suitable
logic and proper justication before arriving to the
conclusion. In other words, it can be said that,
reasoning or justication is the hallmark of
discussion.
10.Atidesha – is the determination of some future
event from present event. In other words it is the
83
J. res. tradit. medicine | May - Jun 2016 | Volume 2 | Issue 3
inference of something which is going to happen in
future. Such prediction or assumption in research
is termed as 'hypothesis. It is a logical supposition,
a reasonable and intelligent guess which provides
a tentative explanation for a phenomenon under
investigation [11]. The role of hypothesis is to guide
the researcher by delimiting the area of research
and to keep him on the right side.
11.Arthapatti – is the term when the sense of a
sentence, though not specically mentioned, can
yet be indirectly presumed or deduced. It includes
the logical thinking and justication, hence can be
compared with the 'discussion' of research work.
12.Purvapaksha - asking a question with an apparent
objection is known as Purvapaksha. Most of the
ancient texts, especially Charakasamhita are
written in a question-answer format, which
highlights the importance of raising a question
before proceeding further in the matter. The rst
and foremost step in a research is the statement of
the research problem; one intends to take for the
proposed study. Research problem should be need
based, precise and clear without any confusion, so
that a neat proposal can be made out of it [12].
13.Nirnaya – is the reply to a Purvapaksha. In other
words, it is the decision made after proper
examination. Nirnaya Tantrayukti hence shows
much similarity with conclusions drawn from the
research work after a proper assessment and
evaluation.
14.Prasanga– if a statement made earlier is repeated
in view of context ace, then it is known as Prasanga.
It is the term used when the same sense is repeated
in different words in different places. In research,
such repetition generally occurs in conclusion
section where the hypothesis, if proven correctly is
repeated as a conclusion. Prasanga Tantrayukti is
also implemented at all those places where
repetition of the sentences occurs when it is felt
necessary.
15.Ekanta – is the term or sentence used to denote the
certainty in every case i.e. the categorical
statement. In research, such denite statement is
only made in the conclusion section and hence this
Tantrayukti bears similarity with conclusion where
the statements made are true and doubtless.
Avhad, et al.: Application of Tantrayukti in Research Methodology
16.Apavarga – a statement made regarding
exceptions to general rules is known as Apavarga.
In case of designing inclusion and exclusion
criteria in a clinical trial Apavarga Tantrayukti is
used. Exclusion criteria are those characteristics
that disqualify prospective subjects from inclusion
in the study. It may include factors such as age, sex,
race, ethnicity, type and stage of disease, the
subject's previous treatment history, and the
presence or absence of other medical,
[13]
psychological, or emotional conditions .
17.Viparyaya– is a statement, from which its opposite
meaning is assumed; like in a study, when it is said
that 'persons who are emaciated, weak and fearful
are difcult to treat' it should be assumed that
persons who are stout, strong and courageous are
easy to treat. This Tantrayukti does not match
directly with any term in research, but there are
instances where it can be considered as opposite
implication. In case if null hypothesis is mentioned
in a study, then the alternate hypothesis can be
assumed opposite to it. Likewise, by looking into
inclusion criteria of the study, the exclusion criteria
can be inferred by applying Viparyaya Tantrayukti.
18.Vidhana – sometimes a statement made earlier is
further explained in order to bring out its correct
implications. It has much similarity with the
discussion part of the research where all the
statements made prior are justied with
appropriate reasoning. According to Sushruta
Vidhana means description in correct order. In this
context, it can be said that following an IMRAD
pattern is the sequential order of research articles.
Also the observations recorded, statements from
previous studies, etc. are written in chronological
order which reects the use of Vidhana Tantrayukti.
19.Anumata– is consent or approval of the opinion of
others, without a dispute. In research it is parallel
to informed consent. Informed Consent is a
voluntary agreement to participate in research
which must be obtained for all types of research
involving human subjects including; diagnostic,
therapeutic, interventional, social and behavioral
studies, and for research conducted domestically
or abroad[14]. Obtaining consent involves informing
the subject about his or her rights, the purpose of
the study, the procedures to be undergone, and
the potential risks and benets of participation.
Subjects in the study must participate willingly.
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J. res. tradit. medicine | May - Jun 2016 | Volume 2 | Issue 3
20.Vyakhyana – is the statement furnishing details on
the subject. In this a particular topic is elaborated
comprehensively. Such method is followed in
research while writing the 'literary review' on
particular topic. A comprehensive literature review
is compulsory for any types of dissertations
regardless of the research area and educational
institution. The literature review should be based
on a wide range of trustworthy sources with a
particular focus on peer reviewed journals[15].
21.Samshaya – is the description of different
viewpoints on a selected topic leaving the
conclusion uncertain and hence creating doubts in
the mind of people. A research work should be
without contradictions and doubts. While writing a
review article, most of the scholars make a common
mistake to quote different contradictory statements
from various articles without summarizing them
with proper justication and conclusion creating
the doubt in the readers mind. Hence, all those
areas should be avoided in research where
Samshaya can be created.
22.Atitavekshana – in some instances the texts refer to
the description of a given topic made earlier, such
quotation of reference is known as 'Atitavekshana'.
Referencing is one of the most important aspects of
any academic research and poor or lack of
referencing will not only diminishes the quality of
work, but such practices may also be perceived as
[16]
plagiarism . The references are generally
provided to indicate the sources from which the
author has obtained the information.
23.Swasangya – when the author uses certain technical
terms in his texts which are generally not found
elsewhere, such specic term is known as
'Swasangya'. The researcher may use some new
term for the trial drug or placebo, which can be
considered as Swasangya for that particular
research study.
24.Uhya – when the researcher is advised to use his
own power of discretion when a statement is made
in the text is known as Uhya. It is the term used
when something more can be understood by an
intelligent man, though not directly used. This
Tantrayukti is mainly used in writing the discussion
where the researcher has to use his wisdom and
make some judgments. In discussion the researcher
includes his contribution into existing knowledge.
Avhad, et al.: Application of Tantrayukti in Research Methodology
The discussion should answer the question and the
gap in the existing knowledge.
25.Samucchaya – refers to the collection or grouping of
things together. In research it is equivalent to data
collection and classication.
26.Nirvachana – is the derivation of a term. In research,
while writing the review of literature, the rst thing
is to derive all the terms which are included in
research. Derivation or etymology helps to
understand the subject in wider aspect with its
applications in other eld.
27.Sanniyoga/Niyoga – It is a statement made in order
to emphasize absolute necessity. This Tantrayukti is
slightly similar to 'Upadesha' mentioned earlier, but
the difference is that the latter shows compulsion.
Positive correlation can be compared with this
Tantrayukti, e.g., death compulsory will occur
where heart stops functioning.
28.Pratyutsara– when the author quotes different
views each refuting the other, such phenomenon is
known as 'Pratyutsara'.
29.Uddhara– instances when the author establishes his
own view after refuting another scholar's view, this
is known as 'Uddhara'. Both Pratyutsara and Uddhara
Tantryukti are abundantly applied while writing the
review article. Author in this case tries to put
opinions from previous researches to nd out some
relation and then accepts or rejects those opinions
giving suitable justications.
30.Sambhava – when the place of origin or the
infrastructure of manifestation is to be judged from
the ailment, such judgment or possibility is known
as Sambhava. Probability theory is absolutely
essential in research as it is used to test new drugs
and to work out the chance that patients may or
may not develop side effects from the drugs.
Probability theory is also used to assess the risk
from things like tobacco and alcohol, and to see how
a certain gene affects people, i.e. how likely a person
with that specic gene develops a certain illness or
[17]
characteristic feature .
A total of 30 Tantrayukti have been discussed and
applied above in terms of research methodology. The
remaining Tantrayukti like Padartha, Vakyashesha,
Nidarshana, Vikalpan etc, are also useful in writing and
understanding the research projects, but the
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J. res. tradit. medicine | May - Jun 2016 | Volume 2 | Issue 3
correlation with research was difcult and hence was
not discussed (Table 1). The Tantrayukti are mainly
used to interpret the meaning of science, but the
correlation made in current article will be useful to
understand the research methodology terms from
Ayurvedic perspective and will create the interest
among the learners of Ayurveda.
Conclusion:
Ancient classics were found to possess scientic
approach while dealing with the subject matter.
Tantrayukti mentioned in Ayurvedic classics are not
merely to understand the hidden meaning of classical
texts, but also found useful in designing the research
protocol. Most of the Tantrayukti have similarity with
the terms of research methodology viz. Uddesha and
Nirdesha refers to abstract and whole article
respectively, Prayojana coincides with aims and
objectives, Purvapaksha and Nirnaya resembles the
research question and conclusion respectively,
whereas Apadesha, Arthapatti and Uhya are found to
have similarity with discussion. Atidesha is related to
hypothesis and Hetwartha can be considered as
referencing. The remaining other Tantrayukti can also
be applied at various places. The present study thus
concludes that the tools and techniques of current
research methodology were explained in Ayurvedic
classics, thousands of years back in the form of
Tantrayukti.
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How to cite the article:
Avhad D Anil et al, Application of Tantrayukti (Means of
Interpreting Science) in Research Methodology. J. Res.
Trad. Medicine 2016; 2(3): 81-86
http:dx.doi.org/10.21276/jrtm.2016/159
Source of Support: Nil Conict of Interest: Nil
© Journal of Research in Traditional Medicine 2015-2016
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