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(216) Nandanavana
There are some specific points regarding this system, which give strong Jinistic impressions on it. Jainism is based on gross and fine non-violence. Any process or practice involving violence is, therefore, practically disregarded by canonical Jaina physicians. It is because of this principle that the dead body dissection has been termed as demerited act. This resulted in poor knowledge in anatomical and surgical fields without any development. This principle has led to use medicines of vegetable and mineral origin only. The treatment of some diseases and wounds in canons testify this fact. The development of medication by different forms of flowers and their extracts is another example Even in ninth century, Ugrāditya wrote his Prāṇāvāya treatise on this basis alone. However, when large number of metals (i.e., mercury) and minerals were known, a system of mastered and synthetic medicines was developed. All chemical practices were also developed. Later authoritativeness in the system led to conservative attitude, which marred the progress of this indigenous system. It is pleasing to note that 20th century has made it little progressive under competitive compulsions.
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Origin of Prāṇāvāya System
It is observed that almost all prominent Indian systems presume their origin through their supreme lords or their incarnations. Ayurvedic system originated from Dhanvantarian incarnation in Vaiṣṇava system, from Nakulisa- an incarnation in Saiva system and from medical preceptor Buddha in Buddhist system. Similarly, Prāṇāvāya may be assumed to have been originated from the first Jina-Rṣabhadeva of the present Jaina era, which has been passed on to us through the last Jinas- Pārsvanatha and Mahāvīra and their disciples. Nisithacurni, however, mentions Dhanvantari to be the originator. This seems to be a non-traditional view and suggests interpolation.
The memorial loss of original canonical instructions of medical science of the Jainas has caused unprecedented disadvantage to this system historically. However, a good number of informative facts and figures are found scattered in almost all canons on the basis of which a study could be coordinated to learn about the state of medical sciences in the canonical period. It may be added that the terms - Prāṇāvāya or Prāṇāyu should be taken as equivalent to the term
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