An English Translation of the Sushruta Samhita, Vol. I: Sutrasthanam — trans. Kaviraj Kunja Lal Bhishagratna (1907)

Such an initiation should be imparted to a student, belonging to one of the three twice-born castes such as, the Brahmana, the Kshatriya, and the Vaishya, and who should be of tender years, born of a good family, possessed of, a desire to learn_, strength^ energy of action, contentment, character, self-control, a good retentive memory, intellect, courage, purity of mind and bod)', and a simple and clear comprehension, command a clear insight into tlie things studied, and should be found to have been further graced with the necessary qualifications of thin lips, thin teeth and thin tongue, and possessed of a straight nose, large, honest, intelligent eyes, with a benign contour of the mouth, and a contented frame of mind, being pleasant in his speech and dealings, and usually painstaking in his efforts. A man possessed of contrary attributes should not be admitted into the sacred precincts of) medicine.

lYlode of Initiation :— A Brahmana preceptor sliould initiate a disciple or student in the following way — A square sand cushion or platform, measuring a cubit

L"hap. 11. I SUTkASTHANAM. jf

in length and breadth, should be laid out on a plot of smooth, level and sacred' ground under the benign influence of any auspicious phase of the moon or astral combination such as, the "Karanam," e»tc. and in a direction of the compass whifch is held most auspicious to that end. The cusliion or the jilatform should be plastered over with a solution of water and cow-dung ; and blades of Kusha grass should be strewn over it. Then the gods, the Brahmanas and the ph5''sicians should be worshipped with oblations of flowers, fried paddy, gems and sundried rice. Then having drawn straight lines across the Sthandilara so as to meet the top of the furthest side of the square, and having sprinkled them over with holy water, the preceptor should lay down a blade of Kusha grass tied up in the form of a knot, known as the Brahmana, along the side of the sacred cushion to his right, and kindle the sacred fire close to his seat. Then having soaked the twigs of the four sacrificial trees of Khadira, Palasha, Devadaru and Vilva, or of Vata, Oudumvara, Ashvattha and Madhuka in curd, honey and clarified butter, he should perform the rite of Homa according to the rules of a Darvi Homa ceremony^ Then libations of clarified butter should be cast into the sacrificial fire with a repetition of the Maha Vyahriti Mantras preceded by the mystic Omkara. After that, libations of clarified butter should be cast into the fire in honour of each of the gods and Rishis (celestial physicians) invokedp. 1 b}^ repeating the Svaha Mantra, and the disciple should be made to do the same. *

A Brahmana preceptor is competent to initiate a student belonging' to any of the three twice-born castes. A Kshatriya preceptor can initiate a student of the Kshatriya or the Vaish3'a caste, while a Vaishya preceptor can initiate a student of his own caste alone. A Shudra student of good character T.nd parentage may be initiated into the mysteries of the A5'urveda by omitting the Mantras enjoined to be recited on such an occasion.

Then having thrice circumambulated the sacrificial fire, and having invoked the firegod to bear testimony to the fact, the preceptor should address the initiated disciple as follows :— "Thou shalt renounce lust, anger, greed, ignorance, vanity, egotistic feelings, envy, harshness, niggardliness, falsehood, idleness, ndij all acts that soil the good name of a man. In proper season thou shalt pair thy nails and clip thy hair and put on the sacred cloth, dyed brownish yellow, live the life of a truthful, self-controlled anchorite and be obedient and respectful towards thy preceptor. In sleep, in rest, or while moving about— while at meals or in studv, and in all acts

"^ The libations should he oftered as follows -Svah^ (obeisance) to P,i-ahm4, Svah.4 to Praj^pati (the lord of the created beings), SvahA to Ashvins, .Svaha to Indra, Sv.nhA to Dhanvantari, Sv^hA to Bharadv^ja, and SvAh^ to A'treva.

Chap. il. I SUTRASTHA'NAAl. 19