Abstract

Background: Prakriti in Ayurveda, refers to inherent constitution of an individual, determined at conception and shaped by the dominance of specific Doṣha (regulatory functional factors of the body) in the sperm and ovum, along with other contributory factors. Ayurveda classifies Prakriti into Śārīrika (physical) and Mānasika (psychic), the latter being based on the predominance of the three Mahāguṇa (Major psychic qualities) Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. Buddhi is regarded as the determinant of perception, judgment and decision-making, directly linked to the balance of the three Guṇa. Objective: Methods: Detailed review of Ayurveda classical texts along with their commentaries, modern literature and online databases like PUBMED and SCOPUS, was performed to analyse the origin and classification of Mānasika Prakriti and other relevant data. Results: The predominance of Mahāguṇa determines Mānasika Prakriti with Satvika linked to clarity, harmony and ideal conduct; Rajasika to dynamism and emotional reactivity and Tamasika to inertia and ignorance. Buddhi is shaped by this constitution, influencing cognition, memory, and moral behaviour and there will be cognitive variations in individuals of varied Prakriti. Conclusion: Shaping Manasika Prakriti happening in intra uterine life due to dominancy of Guna can be understood in modern parallels with genetics, epigenetic and prenatal psychological conditioning. This cognitive diversity is supported by research data of interrelating genetic loci with intelligence. Ayurveda has identified this genetic variation in terms of Manasika Prakriti with their detailed individual

Key words: Buddhi, Manasika Prakruti, Triguna, Intellect, Cognitive Diversity