Penguin Classics

Selections from Sanskrit Medical Writings

By: Various, Dominik Wujastyk (Translator, Introduction by)

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Paperback | 29 April 2003 | Edition Number 3

At a Glance

Paperback
416 Pages

Edition Type
Revised

Age
18+

Dimensions(cm)
26.0 x 128.0 x 194.0

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Ayurveda, the ancient art of healing, has been practiced in India for more than two thousand years and survives today as a living medical tradition whose principles are at the heart of many "alternative" therapies now used in the West. This "science of longevity" has parallels with Buddhist thought, and advocates a life of moderation through which the three humors of the body will be brought into balance. The writings selected for this volume are taken from Sanskrit medical texts written by the first Ayurvedic physicians, who lived between the fifth century b.c. and the fourteenth century a.d. Here readers will find wide-ranging and fascinating advice on the benefits of garlic therapy, prayers for protection against malevolent disease deities, surgical techniques, exercise regimens, the treatment of poisons, the interpretation of dreams, and more.

For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

Industry Reviews

This is a fascinating collection of writings, reflecting the Ayurvedic medical tradition dating from the fifth century BC to the 14th century AD. The book's aim - to provide the reader with a varied introduction to the central ideas of this ancient art of healing - is amply achieved. Extracts included describe such valuable advice as the importance of not suppressing natural urges, the proper handling of knives, and the interpretation of dreams. Ayurvedic principles, such as the need for moderation and the balance of humours in the body, are applied in many modern-day systems of therapy. Much of the advice given by these ancient practitioners falls on sympathetic ears two thousand years later - most will agree with the benefits of exercise, and that 'one should bathe regularly' and 'have clean feet and orifices', although the tips concerning poisoned snuff may strike a chord with fewer readers. The selection of excerpts ranging from the general to the particular also produces an easily browsable text, and the editorial commentary enables them to be read at an enlightening distance from the originals. Fresh translations from each ancient source are preceded by useful introductions describing their history and provenance, and supplying the context in which they should be read. A substantial further reference section, line drawings and helpful general indexes combine with accessible presentation to make this book an excellent introduction to Ayurveda and a useful reference work. (Kirkus UK)

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You Can Find This Book In

Non-Fiction Literature, Poetry & Plays History & Criticism of Literature Mind, Body, Spirit Complementary Therapies, Healing & Health Traditional Medicine & Herbal Remedies Ayurveda & Ayurvedic Medicine Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture

List of Illustrations	p. viii
Acknowledgements	p. ix
Author's Note	p. xii
Introduction	p. xv
The Historical Context	p. xv
Classical Indian Medicine	p. xvii
The Choice of Texts	p. xxiv
The Translations	p. xxx
Plant Names	p. xxxv
Measures	p. xxxix
Medical Terminology	p. xxxix
Caraka's Compendium	p. 1
Introduction to the Selections	p. 3
On Not Suppressing Natural Urges	p. 15
On Eight Sets of Three	p. 22
On Hospitals	p. 35
On Epidemics	p. 38
On Heredity	p. 50
Susruta's Compendium	p. 61
Introduction to the Selections	p. 63
The Use of Knives	p. 83
Gaining Surgical Experience	p. 86
Starting Out as a Surgeon	p. 88
Plastic Surgery on the Ear and Nose	p. 90
The Diagnosis of Embedded Splinters	p. 100
The Extraction of Splinters	p. 105
Blood and Bloodletting	p. 109
On Breath and Wind	p. 116
Rejuvenation Through Soma	p. 125
Safeguarding Food and Drink	p. 131
Stationary Poisons	p. 139
The Uses of Garlic (from the Bower Manuscript)	p. 147
Introduction to the Selection	p. 149
The Uses of Garlic	p. 154
Kasyapa's Compendium	p. 161
Introduction to the Selections	p. 163
Lady Opulence the Demoness Child-Killer	p. 169
Vagbhata's Heart of Medicine	p. 191
Introduction to the Selections	p. 193
Desiring Long Life	p. 205
Daily Regimen	p. 212
Seasonal Regimen	p. 217
The Six Savours	p. 225
The Science of the Humours	p. 230
Lethal Points on the Body	p. 236
On Insanity	p. 244
Sarngadhara's Compendium	p. 253
Introduction to the Selections	p. 255
On Weights, Measures and Definitions	p. 261
Pulse, Omens, and Dreams	p. 267
Introducing Medicine Through the Skin	p. 269
On the Human Body	p. 270
References	p. 281
Vocabulary Index: Flora, Fauna, and Medical Terms	p. 300
Index	p. 344
Table of Contents provided by Rittenhouse. All Rights Reserved.

Penguin Classics

Selections from Sanskrit Medical Writings

At a Glance

Paperback

Industry Reviews

Shipping

How to return your order

Defective items

You Can Find This Book In

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