________________
Medical Sciences in Jaina Canons : 547.
lation or translocation of embryo/foetus have also been described.
The conception could occur naturally by copulation or introduction of male semen into uterus by different methods mentioned in Sthānanga :
(i) The ejaculated male groundlaid semen may be attracted towards the vagina of a female when she has her hidden vagina open over it.
( ii) The introduction of semen particles in vagina through wearing the semenlaid clothes of men.
(iii) The introduction of semen particles in vagina because of strong desire for issues.
(iv) The introduction of semen particles in vagina while bathing in river, ponds or public places.
(v) The introduction of semen particles by others into the vagina of women out of these five methods, only the fifth has been gaining ground on scientific lines. This, however, has become a reality, sometimes even in the absence of women vagina. The ancient niyoga method could be exemplified by this process. Artificial insemination of animals is a common practice to improve the breed. Test tube babies of today are another example where the embryo is developed by external combination and then its introduction into the uterus of original or different female to avoid conception and birth pangs. Laboratory genetics is also a recent pointer. The Ayurvedic system mentions of pregnancy through women copulation or by dreaming during menses alone 46
The canons do not seem to give confirmed examples of such uncopulated births except in the case of mother of Kesikumāra in the second category4?. All the first four categories are just accidental and not normal. Their mention gives us idea of keen thinking and observation power of our seers. The canons, however, mention the transfer of foetus of Mahāvira through the miracle of a demigod from one uterus to another
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
