History of Jaina Monachism

SR No.: 001727
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: S B Deo
Publisher: Deccan College Research Institute
Publication Year: 1956
Total Pages: 616
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Principle, & History
File Size: 12 MB

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S. B. DEO
The Acārānga364 says that Mahāvīra did not take medicine when he was ill. The Sthānānga,365, however, refers, along with other details, to aüveya which had the following eight branches :
(1) kumārabhicce - pertaining to the diseases of children, (2) kāyatigicchā - diagnosis of the body, (3) sālātī - pertaining to the treatment by means of a small salākā, (4) sallahattā — surgery, (5) jangolī - pertaining to snake-bite and poisoning, (6) bhūtavejjā - science of quelling the trouble of semi-divine
beings, (7) khāratanta - pertaining to making a person sexually fit, (8) rasātane - medicines and elixirs for longevity.
Inspite of these details and such others pertaining to the fourfold disease, fourfold diagnosis, and fourfold doctors,366 it is not clear whether they implied popular practices, or were those allowed to the monks. On the contrary we find that an ill monk was allowed to take three dattis (unbroken offerings) of the vikrtis (like ghee, etc.) 367 We have already noted the case of the royal monk Selaga who took wine as medicine.368 But it may be noted here, that such cases were exceptions rather than the rule. The normal course was to put up bravely with the pangs of disease if it was beyond cure.
Service:
Not only the ill but even the superiors were to be waited upon by the monks. In this respect it may be noted that the monks were asked to serve the ācārya, upādhyāya, sthavira, tapasvin, glāna, śaikşa, sādharmika, kula, gana and sangha.369
Thus, the life of the monk was to be a dedication not only to his comonks but also for the needs of the Sangha. Hence, it expected him to be meek and devoid of any pride for his caste, knowledge or penance. However, he was not allowed to do worldly service to the householders or even salute them.370
364. I, 8, 4, 1 (p. 86). 365. P. 427b. 366. Ibid. p. 265a; also Nāyā. p. 144 for similar description of the physicians. 367. Thān. p. 138a. 368. Nāyā. p. 80.
369. Uttar. 30, 33; Bhag. pp. 558ab; Thān. p. 473b; for a somewhat different list, Ibid. p. 408b.
370. Dív. 3, 6; 8, 30; Dév, cù. 2, v. 9.