dc.description.abstract | Illness caused by non-human beings is categorized as Bhūtavidyā study in both Indian and Buddhist medical traditions but has rarely been explored by scholars of Indian Buddhism. Bhūtavidyā is referred to as a kind of “psychiatry” and represents one of the eight divisions (aṣṭāṅga) in Āyurveda that are associated with spirits or organisms. Likewise, Bhūtavidyā in Indian Buddhist medicine has been regarded as demonology (therapy of inauspiciousness) that derives from eight Buddhist medical sections associated with physical and mental spiritual practice.
However, non-human beings are referred to as evil spirits in these traditions and have been disregarded as little more than superstition and scorned by scientists. In medical circles, these phenomena are treated as psychiatric disorders or mental illnesses, and treatment is seen as having only limited psychological benefits to patients.
This thesis will demonstrate why Buddhist meditation (śamatha-vipaśyanā) and the practice of yoga in Indian medicine can provide comprehensive spiritual practice as a healing from diseases leading to an enjoyable and wholesome life. Certain questions are posed in the thesis. Among the most salient are these: What is the etiology of illnesses caused by non-human beings according to ancient sacred texts, such as exogenous diseases or innate issues? What are the symptoms and how do they affect the physical and mental health of human beings?
First, reflect on how traditional medicine directly or implicitly interpret the origin of non-human being’s attack? Hermeneutics in ancient medical texts may remain indifferent because few scholars have examined the implications. The methodology in the research to deliver a parallelization of ancient philology in Āyurveda Medicine, Indian Buddhist Medicine and Zhiyi’s thoughts. Therefore, a hermeneutical approach to knowledge about illnesses makes connections by distinguishing between philosophical theories of medicine and therapeutics in differing traditions.
Second, the collected work of Indian medicine Caraka-saṃhitā and Suśrutaḥ saṃhitā advocate that medical knowledge is Life of Science, within psychology and cognitive science, sociology, hygiene, and anthropology. Similarly, Indian Buddhist medicine contains abundant medical knowledge and pharmaceutics. However, there is still much to be explored. In addition, Tendai Zhiyi' s thought as a pioneer on Chinese Buddhism provides a vital glimpse into concentrative illness practices as efficient therapy for psychological problems.
Finally, it is hoped that the thesis is developed on an inspirational foundation of empiricism, rationalism, and humanism based on the bedrock of ancient medical knowledge in the cited traditions. Religious faith and unique spiritual practices are represented in which the philosophical and theological elements infused in such ancient medical texts are often subtle and, therefore, can be easily overlooked. The sacred knowledge left by Buddha and the ancient Indian sages is practical and wholesome but not merely an abstruse philosophical theory. | en_US |