Risht Samucchaya

Author(s): Durgadevacharya, A S Gopani
Publisher: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan

Page 74

INTRODUCTION (b) The RS and the CS: The RS presents a tradition that he lives for half a year to whose all limbs the flies persistently stick (st. 138). This theory is echoed in the statement of the CS which, though no definite period is mentioned, agrees in the main outline (2; 21-22) and substance with it. Both the RS (st. 64) and the CS (3) tally with each other regarding the phenomenon of extremely white teeth the only consequence of which is immediate death. The RS advances a principle according to which one dies in course of a week at the most if he cannot hear the 10 indistinct ringing sound in the ears when they are closed with fingers (st. 38). This is materially supported by the CS which warns the physician not to undertake the treatment of that sick man in whose case the aforesaid symptom occurs, knowing him to be as good as dead (4; 20). He is for 15 a month here and no more, enunciates the RS, if he is led southward in the dream (riding) on a buffalo, donkey or a camel (st. 123). This theory is endorsed by the CS which adds that he dies of tuberculosis and omits to mention the duration of his life here ( 5; 8). Regarding the nature of the dreams, all the ze works on omens and portents are almost unanimous. Thus the falling of the moon and the sun, in the dream, is considered inauspicious in the RS which also states that the man, thus dreaming, will live for a month and a little more (st. 124). The CS does not bother about fixing the limit of life but simply mentions 25 its ominousness (5; 35). The RS informs that his life here is not more than a month who goes in the dream, southward, dancing and placing red flowers on the body (st. 128 ). The CS also sup. ports the theory materially though it does not give the time-limit (5; 37). The RS assigns different periods to the deformities or 38 destructions of separate limbs as they are reflected in the shadow (sts. 75-107); while the CS makes a simple statement, dismissing elaborate and cumbrous discussion, to the effect that the shadow reflected in a moonlight, sunlight, light of the lamp or a mirror should be considered such as signifies death if it be 35 deformed or devoid of a certain limb or if there is partial destruction of the limb (7; 4-9). Both RS and CS agree respecting the phenomenon of exhaling a cold breath. The RS announces imminent death as a result (st. 134) and so does the
1 See App. X, pp. 101 ff.