ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 03

Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies

Page 180

emotions, and the body are not separate, but intimately entwined giving rise to the psychoneuro-immunology field of study.
In Jainism, the individual is the focal point for all improvements. The individual then helps others to be in that state of happiness as well. Similarly one never loses focus on the long term perspective (transcendental viewpoint) of jīva (life after death) while focussing on the present life (practical viewpoint) to enjoy the same and move on to the attainment of the ultimate objective as physical wellness results as a corollary automatically4.
In this paper we shall review the literature available on medical sciences, metaphysical considerations, karma doctrine (specially the nāma-karma or the physique determining karma), basis of ethico-spiritual practice both for leading a happy life as well as its end are prescribed for householdersand to some extent monks (i.e. upto the sixth stage of spiritual purification called gunasthānas up to which the karmic bondage can take place) in Jainism. In the end some of the issues concerning birth, treatment, transplanting organs, death will be reviews visa a vis the Jain doctrine mentioned above.
Literature on medical sciences The earliest sacred literature of Jains called Pūrva, fourteen in number existed even before Mahāvīra. The twelfth Pūrva is called Prāṇāvāya (science of life and longevity). This formed the earliest canon on medical science adopted by Jains. It deals with ways and means of keeping the body fit. Though this is not extant now, its contents have been described in 12th limb of Primary Canons called DỊstivāda during Mahāvīra's time. However both Prānāvāya and Drstivāda are now extinct. Sthānanga is the first primary canon which mentions about four units of ancient medical systems, namely: the physician, patients, nurses and medicines. Topics of Medical learning (Ayurveda) as mentioned in Sthānānga are Pediatrics (Kaumārabhrtya, Bālarakṣā); Surgery ad Midwifery (Šalya); ENT and Eye treatment (Šālākya); Internal and External Medicines (Kāya-cikitsā); Toxicology (Agada or Jangala); Demonology and Ash-thread Therapy (Bhūtavidyā); Geriatrics or Longevity (Rasāyana) and
3 Parasparopagraho jīvānām//TS V.21 4 Somadeva Sūri in his book Yaśastilaka Campū talks of laukika and pāralaukika viewpoints and their concurrence in Jain ethics with paralaukika objective guiding the laukika activities. SThe term used for this is Auşadha- Cauvvihā tigichcha pannattā, tam jahā- (i) vijo, (ii) Oşadhāim, (iii) āure (iv)pariyarye Sthānanga, Ed. Madhukar Muni, APS Beawar, 1981, sthāna 4.516 p. 392).
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