Scientific Contents in Prakrta Canons

SR No.: 001670
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: N L Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith
Publication Year: 1996
Total Pages: 608
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Science, & Religion
File Size: 9 MB

Page 552

530 : Scientific Contents in Prākşta Canons
an incarnation in Vaisnava system, from Nakulisa - an incarnation in Saiva system and from medical preceptor Buddha in Buddhist system. Similarly, the canonical branch of Prānāvāya may be assumed to have been originated from the first JinaRşabhadeva of the present Jaina era which has been passed on to us through the last Jinas - Pārsvanātha and Mahāvira and their disciples. Nişithacūrni, however, mentions Dhanvantari to be the originator 16. This seems to be a non-traditional view and suggests interpolation.
The memorical loss of original canonical instructions of medical science of the Jainas has caused unprecedented disadvantage to this system historically. However, a good number of informative facts and figures are found scattered in almost all canons on the basis of which a study could be coordinated to learn about the state of medical sciences in the canonical period. It may be added that the terms - Prānāyāya or Pranäyu should be taken as equivalent to the term Ayurveda which has the same object and methodology, though it is a matter of research which term or system preceded the other. But as things stand, the Jainas used their term until eighth century A. D. and later began using latter term. Thus, currently one may take these terms as synonymous.
Kalyānakāraka – a treatise of 8-9th century mentions names of large number of predecessors authoring Prāņāvāya books whose works are unfortunately not available today". These would have been highly valuable to study the gradual development of medical concepts and practices during different periods. Shah 18 and Bhatanagar19 have mentioned about more than 100 books with their authors during later period between 1200-1950 A. D. to show that the indigenous science of medicines has always been a lively learning among the Jainas. However, the description here will cover a limited period of canons and their commentaries. Units under Medical Establishment
Per chance, Sthānānga 20 is the first book mentioning