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Philosophy and Medicine : The Indian Standpoint
2. THE INDIAN OATH A successful student was asked to take an Oath before he could start his practice. Some excerpts from it are as follows: “Day and night however you may be engaged, you shall endeavour for the relief of the patient with all your heart and soul. You shall not desert or injure your patient even for the sake of your life or your living You shall be modest in your dress and appearance. You shall not be a drunkard or a sinful man, nor should you associate with those who commit crimes. You should speak words that are gentle, pure and righteous, pleasing, worthy, true, wholesome and moderate. Your behaviour must be in consideration of time and place and heedful of past experience. No persons who are hated by the public or who are haters of the public, shall receive treatment from you. Similarly, those that are of very unnatural, wicked and miserable character and product, those who have not vindicated their honour and those that are on the point of death, and women who are unattended by their husbands or guardians, shall not receive treatment. No offering of a present by a woman without the knowledge of her husband or guardian shall be accepted by you. While entering the patient's house, you should be accompanied by a man who is known to the patient and who
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