Charaka-Samhita — trans. Kaviraj Avinash Chandra Kaviratna
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The translator’s English as printed (Avinash Chandra Kaviratna). The original-language text is not held; names are romanised as the translator printed them.
It is of two kinds, in consequence of the differences of the grounds on which it may rest ; i. that which rests on the grace or power of the deities, and 2. that which rests on observation and reason. Among these, medicine resting on the grace or power of the deities consists of these : Mantras (set phrases and words taken from the scriptures or other sources); charms (worn on the body); gems ; auspicious rites ; offerings made to the deities (such as flowers, vegetables, animals that are regarded as clean, &c.); gifts (to the deities); Homa (libations of ghee or meat poured on the sacred fire with the aid of mantras)', observances (such as abs¬ tention from particular kinds of food and drink at particular times, wearing of beards, &c.); expiatory rites and penances ; fasts, gifts (to Brahmanas, &c); propitiatory rites (such as reciting those sec¬ tion sof the Markandeya Purana which go by the name of Chandt, &c.); bows and prostrations (unto Brahmanas and deities, &c.); and sojourns to sacred spots and waters.
Medicine that rests on observation and reason, consists of these :
Correctives and alleviatives ; and endevours whose results are directly observable.
This medicine, in consequence of difference of features, is of two kinds : viz., 1. consisting of what is material, and 2. consisting of what is not material.
Of these, the immaterial is that which is fraught with Up§ya or means; these are Up5ya (or means), viz., exciting (in the mind of the patient) terror, amazement, grief, and joy; administering rebukes, striking and binding the patient with ropes, inducing sleep, rubbing and champooing the body, and similar other prac¬ tices which cannot be regarded as material agents and which have . been spoken of as means o,f success (in treatment).
Those medicines that consist of material objects are used (as i emetics and the rest) for bringing about vomiting and the rest.”
C HA RAKA -SA MHITA.
p. 589
Of such even this is the (method of) examination : it is such ; its nature is such ; its attributes are such ; its potency is such ; it grows (or occurs) in such a region ; it grows in such a season ; it has been taken up in this way ; it has been kept in such a way ; it has been subjected to these processes ; it is fraught with ( i.e ., used in) such a measure it is administered in such desease ; it is suitable to such a patient ; and it removes or allays such faults.
Whatever other medicine there may be like unto that (or those) spoken of above, it should also be examined according to this or any other special method and then applied.100*
Absence of harmony among the dhatus (constituent elements of the body) constitutes the ‘ kSrya-yoni' (ground of action).
Its indication is the accession of an abnormal condition (of the body or of the dhatus). Its examination consists in an observation of the symptoms that indicate an increase or decrease of the sources of disease. The examination of abnormality (disease) also, con¬ sists in an observation of such symptoms as indicate curability or incurability, mildness or virulence.101
* ‘ It is such j implies that it is this sort of thing ; or that its species is such. Thus, in examining a flower, the physician should first ascertain its genus ; then its species ; &c. He should then enquire about its ‘ prakriti' or nature. ‘Prakriti,’ it seems, is not different from genus or species on the one hand and attributes on the other. ‘ Prabhava’ is potency. It has been ex¬ plained in Sutrasthana. Much depends on the character of the spot where an herb or plant grows. A plant growing in a garden, and another of the same species on a hill, do' not posesess the same attributes. Much, again, depends on the season in which an herb is taken up, and the manner in which it is kept after being taken up. — T.
p. 75
p. 590
charaxa-samhitA.
The ‘ karya ’ (that for the accomplishment of which the actor sets about) is the restoration of the (disturbed) harmony of the dhatus.
Its indication is the alleviation of the 'vikara’ (or the abnormal condition called disease).
Its examination consists in an observation of these ; —
The disappearance of the disease ;
The accession of voice and complexion ;
The growth of the body [i.e., repair of the waste);
The increase of strength j
A desire for the usual articles of enjoyment ;
Liking (relish) for food at the time of eating ;
Digestion, at the proper time, of food that has been taken ;
Accession of sleep at the proper time.
Disappearance of dreams due to abnormal conditions ;
Happy awakening from slumber ;
The free discharge of wind, urine, stools, and vital seed ; and
The complete disappearance of obstructions to the free action of mind, intellect, and the senses.102*
The ‘ karya phala’ or result of action is the attainment of happiness. Its indications are cheerfulness (or felicity of) mind, intellect, senses, and body.105
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