Nandanvana

SR No.: 006597
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: N L Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith
Publication Year: 2005
Total Pages: 592
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 25 MB

Page 253

Medical Sciences in Jaina Canons : (233)
occult arts were also in vogue. These were practiced even in eighth century. Ugraditya had added much more to this branch. Now-a-days, different chemical compounds of toxic nature have been prepared. Insecticides, pesticides, wormicides and the like are also toxic to human beings though not to such an extent as to small creatures. They do not find mention in canons. Besides, many more poisonous creatures have been observed and their toxicity points and components together with a variety of medication have been added.
Surgery
The diseases under surgery are mostly accidental. Examples of abscess, cuts, wounds, goitre, fistula, piles and internal thorns are found in different canons. They were treated through various surgical practices and medications as mentioned earlier. The medical practitioner was supposed to carry all his practicing equipments with him all the times. One could form an idea about the progress of surgery when one listens to bye-pass, heart and other transplantation surgeries of today. They were not known or per chance not necessary in canonical ages.
Death and After
Medication is meant to delay the death as much as one can. The livingness is defined as an activity or energy due to (i-v) five senses, (vi-viii) speech, mind and body, (ix) respiration and (x) life-span. These are known as 'Praṇas' or vitalities. The living one is 'Prāņi' because of them 54. Death denotes loss of Praṇa or devitalisation at the destruction of specific life-span karma. This karma refers to either this birth or the other births with same form and destinity. The medical sciences refer to the current birth alone. The death is as natural phenomena as the birth. These two are the banks of the ocean of world. The birth process has been described quite in detail. No such details are available for death process. However, there is mention of causes and classification of death in canons. People enjoy birth,, but feel fear for and sorry at death. The religion teaches us to welcome death like birth with proper preparedness.
Causes of Death
Many canons refer to causes of death--some in detail and some in brief. Sthānanga says there are seven causes of death. Kundakunda