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Medical Sciences in Jaina Canons : (215)
is mentioned that the kings had always physicians with them in peace and war. A large number of physicians, surgeons and veterinarians are mentioned in different canonical stories. It is also noteworthy to learn that the traditional 72 learnings for men and 64 skills for women include many medical skills and practices 5. The basic importance of this skill can also be inferred from the fact that the religious principles of gem-trio of the Jainas have been also associated with pacification or purification of three defects of the body- right faith pacifying the bile defect, right knowledge pacifying the air (rhenium) defect and the right conduct pacifying the phlegmic defects. It is due to this attitude that a large number of practices have been included in different vows and penances in religious scriptures for spiritual development.
The term 'Vaidya' or 'Vaidyaka' denoting a physician or science of physicians indicates that this branch of learning was taken to be allskill branch where Vedic (spiritual) and physical ailments were taken into account. This also suggests the paramount importance of the Prāṇāvāya skill. Though formerly a normal scripture, this has been classified as a demerited, worldly or black scripture by spiritualists per chance later because it leads to longevity in the world 3. The designation requires reconsideration.
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The term 'Prāṇāvāya' means the science of life and longevity. It is not known whether the scholars defining about the contents of this science were familiar with the details of eight-fold indigenous system (as it includes demonology and toxicology), but it seems that they had an idea of a different eight-fold Ayurvedic system, which requires a probe. That is why; Akalanka" had defined it as a treatise of eightfold Ayurvedic system together with demonology, toxicology and yogic system. A later commentator, Virasena seems to have improved this definition in Jaya-dhavala stating that it deals with different vital airs, strengths and physiological functions 10. The traditional Jaina canons also support this definition. This will involve anatomy and physiology also. That is why, these topics are found scattered in Jaina canons life Bhagavati and others 11. Moreover, there were hospitals based on this system in towns like Rajagir built by rich persons and the state with necessary facilities for treating the patients.
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