Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 370

Sec. 117.
STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SUTRA
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stages of development of the child after its birth, various kinds of diseases and their treatment, medicinal and surgical. From this it appears that the Medical Science advanced on two lines, viz., medicinal treatment proper and surgery.
It is well-known from the Jaina, the Buddhist and the Brāhmanical works that the Medical Science was studied and practised in ancient India.
Ayuvveya or Tegicchaya is mentioned in the faina texts' as one of the black sciences (pāvasuya) and it is said to have been invented and introduced by Dhanvantari" wlio was a specialist in the eight groups of this branch of knowledge, viz, pediatrics (Kumārabhicca), surgery and midwifery (salāga), treatment of eye, ear, nose, and throat (sallahattha), that of bodily diseases (kāyatigicchā), toxicology (Jangola), demonology (bhūyavijjā), science and arts of recovering lost health in old age (rasāyana) and sexual rejuvenation (vājikarana or Ichāratanta).
The evidences of the Jain texts regarding the development of Ayurveda are fully corroborated by the Buddhist and the Brāhmaṇical" works which give information about the study and practice of this important science in its different branches.
· Thánānga Sutta, 9, 678.
Niśitha Curni, 15. p. 944; Cf. Milinda-Panha, p. 277 ; refer
also to Ayoghara Jataka No. 510, IV. pp. 496, 498. : Vivāga, 7, 41 ; Cf. Susruta Samhitā, Ch. 1-8, p. 4 f. • Cf. Milimda-panha-p. 272 ; refer to goghara Jataka (No.
510) IV. pp. 496, 498; Digha Nikaya 1. p. 12 ; 1. p. 9.: Majjhima 1, p. 265 f. See Mahāniddesa-p. 120; Milindapanha, p. 40 for the knowledge of the process of conception
and gradual development of the foetus in the womb. 6 Susruta Samhita; Sūtrasthāna, IV, 4, 4-8 (learning from
different experts). ; Caraka, Vimanasthana, 8, 4. (practical training in medicine). Sufruta Sútrasthāna, Ch. 9. Training in Surgery, Sufruta, Sarārasthäna, 5, 49,
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