Paper Contents
Abstract
AbstractVrya (potency) occupies a central and distinctive position in the Ayurvedic conceptualization of medicinal action, transcending simplistic paradigms of taste, quality, or chemical composition. This article explores the nature, classification, and clinical implications of vrya as the vishista-smarthya-sampanna guna a specialized, high-capacity quality responsible for eliciting parinma (physiological change) in the body. We argue that vrya is not a static property of a substance but emerges through the interaction of a dravyas gunas with the recipients adhikra (susceptibility locus). Three modes of action are elaborated: (i) Guna-Prabhva, where the action is attributable directly to a specific guna functioning as vrya; (ii) Dravya-Guna Prabhva, where a particular guna expresses itself powerfully within a dravya, overriding other attributes; and (iii) Dravya Prabhva (Achintya vryaprabhva), where the action defies rational deduction and is known only through consistent observation. The clinical domain is then examined, focusing on how vrya interacts with pathological adhikra, initiates karma, and must be selected in a viparta (opposing) relationship to disease guna. The concept of cumulative vrya is introduced to underscore that therapeutic efficacy depends on the net potency generated by drugs, diet (hra), and regimen (vihra). We caution against integrating modalities whose vryas are incongruent, as conflicting vryas can neutralize or reverse intended effects. Ultimately, mastery of vrya is proposed as the keystone for rational, individualized, and evidence-informed Ayurvedic practice, offering a conceptual bridge to modern pharmacodynamics that remains grounded in Ayurvedas unique ontology.
Copyright
Copyright © 2025 Dr. Deepika Singh. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
