The Contemporary Science of Medicine and Buddhism
A science that tries to heal humankind, one that is known as the ‘science of life’ and a religion which believes in moderated pathways away from extremities! How are they both inter-related? Ever thought about it?! It is observed at times that what science reveals may not be what a religion believes. So do you think it is possible to have similarities in science and religion? Will you believe that science and religion coexisted?! It’s hard to believe but yeah. There was a time when Buddhism glorified Ayurveda while at the same time it paved the way for the fragrance of its ethics including spirituality and humanity to spread across the world. Here are all the ways by which Buddhism and the Perpetual Science of Ayurveda has stayed connected throughout the years.
An introduction to Buddhism.
The non-theistic religion is renowned all around the world, for its principles and practices. The religion and its ethics is based on understanding one’s true mind and identity. The insight into the true nature is what helps one in attaining spiritual development in Buddhist tradition.
The religion, which is around 2500 years old, was founded on the teachings of Sidhartha Gautama popularly known by the name Shree Budha. He was born in 563 BC, at Lumbini near Kapilavastu, Nepal. The name Sidhartha means ‘One, who attained his goals’ and Sidhartha was born as the son of the leader of the Shakya tribe Suddhodana and his wife, Maya devi. The religion considers Budha as a teacher and it’s the greatness in his teachings that makes place for Buddhism all around the globe.
Interesting Facts About Buddhism.
Buddhism holds virtuous views and mode of teaching which are listed down as:
• Four Noble Truths: Buddhism explains life as it is filled with sufferings and misery. The teachings say desire and attachment are causes of miseries in the world. The desire can be overcome. The ultimate path of liberation from desires and miseries is what gives you moksha.
● Four Arya Satya: These are four truths which are equated to the concept of diseases. Direct action can be made accountable to cause and cure such that Dukha is basically considered as vyadhi (Diseases). Dosha as the cause of diseases. Nirodha as Heath (Arogya). Marga (Pathway) to cure is via Bhaishajya (medications).
● Eightfold Path: In Buddhism the eightfold paths are explained as the basic code of behaviour and ethics the followers should maintain. They are considered to be Right in view, Right in aspiration, Right in their word, Right in action, With right livelihood, Taking the right effort, with right mindfulness, and with right concentration.
All of the concepts in Buddhism are related with Ayurvedic practices to the core and let’s see the similarities in detail.
True History of Ayurveda.
Ayurveda is the discipline of auxiliary knowledge in the Vedic traditions and the ancient system of medicine as per hinduism. The origin of Ayurveda is considered to be as recorded in Atharva veda that the contemporary science was received by lord Dhanvantari from Lord Brahma and was later on taught to various disciples.
The theory of Ayurveda which revolves around the principles of creation is designed such that it is dependent on herbal medications. The deep understanding of creation was boosted via deep meditation and spirituality by ancient sages like Acharya Charaka, Acharya Susrutha and Vagbhata which revealed insights into basic human physiology, and principles of healthy existence. Thus Ayurveda, the science of life, becomes a compilation of both Indian philosophical and spiritual texts.
Key concepts of Ayurvedic system of medicine being the three bio-energies namely Vata, Pitta, Kapha, along with individual body constitution called Prakruti and Interrelationship of the universe with human aspects helps in identifying the individualized treatment protocols for a patient with suitable herbal proprietary preparations.
Do Buddhist literatures hold Ayurvedic Mentions?
The role of religion in a disease has been integrated by Buddhism for over a thousand years by uniting spirituality and medicine. In Buddhism all people are considered as patients and Budha is considered as the physician. Knowledge on wholesome deeds (Dharma) is considered as the medication and Spartan is regarded as the nursing staff. This concept of four important pillars in healing is similar to the four pillars of treatment (Panda Chatushtaya) in Ayurveda. Buddhism considers that this strategic approach can heal diseases in all aspects of the human body. Budha, who paved the way out of the cycle of diseases and cures, is considered as the greatest physician in Buddhism as well.
The literary records including Saddharma Pundarika, Tripitaka, and Navanitaka, provide glimpses of Ayurvedic modes of treatment and were an inevitable part of Buddhist tradition.
The classics contain information regarding
● Types of diseases : Explained as Vatika, Paittika, Shleshmika, and Sannipatika.
● Types of herbs : Trina, Gulma, Oushadhi and Vanaspati.
● Mode of Administration of medicines: Explained as to be given in the form of Juice, Paste, Decoction and Infusion.
● Buddhists accept the theory of five existents and explain them as Pancha dhatus instead of Mahabhutas.
● Consider Tridhaatu instead of Tridoshas.
● Budha charita explains that dhatu samya leads to diseases and the dhatu prakopa results in diseases.
● Buddhism explains 9 ultimate causes of death which is similar to 9 arishta lakshana in Ayurveda.
Propagation of Ayurveda and Buddhism.
Buddhism has Propagated the medical system associated with it wherever the religion saw the greens. The places where the religion flourished, Ayurveda was also glorified. This growth became more intense when the Mauryan Empire welcomed Ayurvedic practices with open arms in the third century BC, along with the reign of emperor Ashoka who was also a Buddhist.
Aside from this, religion has enlightened the world about its ancient medical knowledge. The same reason why Ayurvedic physicians had their notable contributions during the fourth – fifth century BC in the universities of Nalanda and Taxila. The importance of proper food and regimen, the basic etiquette and conduct were all taken around the world by Buddhist monks. Shree Budha who practised all of it believed that there was something healing people and helping them attain health via proper lifestyle. Same which is the foundation stone of Ayurvedic medical practices.Be it a conventional system of medicine or an ancient system of practice.
What is the most required for public health? The right information. Where do we find it? This is the place.!
Why is There a National Health Portal?
Where can we find some real information on health issues?
How to choose the right mode of treatment and method of administration based on a trustworthy reference? Well, This is the place. National health portal of India is designed and established with an aim to provide authentic information on public health care and to address the concerns regarding different health conditions.
Be it a pandemic taking its toll on lives or a common cold which invokes doubts inside of you, you can always find expert advice and right information via an enquiry through National Health Portal. Guidance regarding various health schemes, health insurances, widgets and health applications and details related to diseases and health services available can all be known through this authentic body. National health portal is formed with a motive to make available a single point of access to all the echt information related to health for everyone irrespective of their job, age etc.
Religion or a science, in a world that is constantly attaining progress, spirituality and knowledge should be coexisting in nature. It’s not just about any system of medicine and what it reveals or just about a religion arguing on how it explains the world was created. It is about how far we can distinguish that their coexistence is what is necessary rather than the differences in the information they exchange. The right knowledge and practice are the only instruments of progress.
