Āyurvedā has been beautifully defined by Ācārya Caraka in his treatise, the Caraka Samhita. He says,
'Āyurvedā is the wisdom of life in all its dualities. It encompasses the knowledge of healthy life as it does of a life that is frail; of all the elements that are seats of happiness in life and also of those that become the reason for a sorrowful life. It contains the markers and tools for measuring life, describing the parameters for longetivity.'
In simpler terms, Ayurveda is the embodiment of life in all its forms and variations.
Āyurvedā is not merely the texts and treatises that contain it. Āyurvedā is all around us and within us. This profound wisdom is present innately in all life forms on this planet and all you need to do is listen. Nature is the best textbook for Āyurvedā and your body is the best guide!