An English Translation of the Sushruta Samhita, Vol. II — trans. Kaviraj Kunja Lal Bhishagratna (1911)

The shaving of hair and the paring of nails lead to the expiation of one's sins, make a man cheerful, tend to appease his fate, increase his energy and impart a. lightness to the frame. The putting on of armour (Va(nava(ra) improves one's strength, energy and complexion and gives a lustre to the body. The wearing of a turban (Ushnisha) acts as a protection against wind, dust, sun and light, helps the luxurious growth of hair and tends to improve the purity of the mind. 49-51,

The use of an umbrella is a protection against rain, wind, dust, dew and sun. It improves one's energy, Ojas, eye-sight and complexion, and is an auspicious thing in itself. The use of a stick (Danda) dispels the fear of dogs, snakes, beasts of prey, (tigers, etc.) and horned animals. It considerably alleviates the toil of a journey, lessens the probability of making a false step and is specially commended to the weak and imbecile. It increases one's energy, strength and patience, makes the mind firm and bold, acts as a proper support and makes one fearless. 52 53.

Sitting idle (Asya) gives pleasure. It improves the glow of one's complexion, increases the Kapha and corpulency and makes the body delicate, while an active pedestrian habit (A-dhva) is detrimental to the complexion. It reduces the fat and Kapha of the body, and removesp. 491 the delicateness of the frame. Contrary results (to those produced by sitting idle) are produced by excessive walking which further brings on weakness and emaciation of the body. A gentle walk or stroll, which is not; very fatiguing to the body, tends, on the contrary, to improve his memory, strength, digestive capacity (Agni) and the functions of the sense-organs. It increases also the duration of life. 54-57.

Lying down in an easy posture on a soft bed removes the sense of fatigue, pacifies or soothes the bodily Vayu, brings on sleep and lost recollections to the mind, is spermatopoetic and is conducive to the growth of the body ; while lying down in a contrary manner is attended with contrary results. Fanning with Chowiies (Vaia-vyajana) is refreshing and keeps off flies and mosquitoes ; while fanning (with ordinary fans) arrests perspiration, removes the sense of fatigue and fainting fits, and alleviates the burning, scorching and parched sensations. Shampooing (Samvaihana) is pleasant, refreshing, soporific, and spermatopoetic (Vrishya). It destroys the bodily Vayu and Kapha, removes the sense of fatigue and is soothing to the blood, skin and the muscles. 58-60.

A strong wind (Prav£lta) is parchifying in its effect and injurious to the complexion. It destroys the burning sensation (if any) in the body, allays thirst, removes fainting fits and stops perspiration, but (at the same time) produces numbness of the body and destroys the digestive powers ; whereas the contrary results are produced by a gentle wind. The gentle breeze of summer and of 'autumn should be breathed (as it is attended with beneficial results to the health). A seeker after health and a long life should reside in a chamber, not exposed to strong blasts of wind (Niva'ta). An

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undue exposure to the sun (Atapa) aggravates the Pitta, but increases the power of digestion. It agitates the blood and begets thirst, perspiration, faintness ^sun stroke), vertigo and a burning sensation in the body attended with a discolouring of the complexion, etc. ; whereas the contrary results are produced by a (cool) shade (Chhayai). A basking in the glare of fire (Agni) remedies the (wrong) coursing of the V^yu and Kapha^ removes cold and shivering, digests the slimy secretions in the channels ; but aggravates the blood and Pitta, A good sleep (Nidrsi) enjoyed at the proper time (and for the proper period) tends to improve the growth^ strength, vigour and complexion of the body. It increases the power of digestion, removes drowsiness, and restores the natural equilibrium among the different fundamental principles (Dhatus) of the organism. 6i 65.

General rules of conduct :— The first rule is that one should keep his nails and hair .'•hort, always put on clean and white clothes, wear a light turban and a pair of shoes and carry an umbrella and a stick in his hand. One should discourse, when necessary, with another in a sweet and gentle voice and his speech should be laconic and pleasing. He should first accost his elders and acquaintances in cases of meeting before they speak. He should be kind and compassionate, to all creatures, and be approved of by his elders and superiors. He should be in full possession of resources and In an undisturbed state of the mind. One should not stir out at night nor walk about in the grounds of public executions, undulated places, dens and rocks.* He should not go (at night) to where roads cross nor to places covered with heaps of husks, ashes, bones,