Hitopdesh - Book Summary | JainGPT

The provided text is a detailed index and partial content of the Jain medical treatise "Hitopdesh" (हितोपदेश), compiled by Muni Shri Kanthasuri and translated into Gujarati by Chhotalal Narbheram Bhatt. The publisher is Shravak Bhimsinh Manek. The book was printed in 1897 (Samvat 1954).

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided pages, focusing on the structure and content:

Book Title: Hitopdesh (हितोपदेश) - A Medical Treatise (वैद्यक ग्रंथ)

Author: Muni Shri Kanthasuri (जैन पंडितवर्य श्रीकंठसूरिविरचित)

Translator (Gujarati): Chhotalal Narbheram Bhatt (भाषांतरकर्ता छोटालाल नरभेराम भट्ट)

Publisher: Shravak Bhimsinh Manek (प्रसिद्धकर्ता वैद्य दुर्गाशंकर अंबाशंकर, प्रसिद्धकर्ता वैद्य दुर्गाशंकर अंबाशंकर)

Overview:

The "Hitopdesh" is a Jain medical text that aims to provide beneficial advice ("Hitopdesh") for the well-being of individuals, particularly addressing physical suffering. The preface highlights the preciousness of human life, which is essential for spiritual pursuits and ultimately for liberation (Moksha). It emphasizes that physical suffering, like mental suffering, can be overcome through knowledge. While spiritual knowledge addresses mental suffering, medical knowledge ("Vaidyak Vidya") addresses physical ailments. The text acknowledges the existence of numerous Sanskrit medical texts but notes their inaccessibility and the need for practical, easily applicable remedies. This book is presented as a solution to that need, being a translation of the work by the learned Jain physician Shri Kanthasuri.

The preface also mentions the scarcity of widely available Jain medical literature due to a lack of readership and study. It acknowledges the lineage of physicians, with the translator's grandfather, Shri Dalsukhram Vaidya, being a renowned scholar in Vadodara during the reign of Maharaja Khanderao Gaekwad. The book was made available to the translator from his grandfather's collection and was well-received by learned physicians. The translator was inspired by friends to publish it.

Key Content Areas and Structure:

The book is divided into ten "Samuddesh" (समुद्देश), which are chapters or sections, covering various aspects of diagnosis and treatment.

Chapter Breakdown (from the Index):

The index provides a chapter-by-chapter breakdown of the topics covered:

Samuddesh 1 (समुद्देश १ लो): Pulse Examination (नाडी परीक्षा)
- Mangalam (Invocation)
- Types of disease examination
- What can be known from the pulse
- Whose pulse not to examine
- How to gain pulse knowledge
- What pulse knowledge pertains to
- Location of pulse examination
- Names of pulses
- Subtle openings of pulses
- Twenty-four main pulses
- Functions of pulses
- Method of observing the pulse
- Location of Vata-like pulse
- Examination of pulse in the nose
- Types of pulse movement
- Time for Vata-like pulse
- Difference of opinion regarding the location of Vata-like pulse in the pulse
- Analogies for pulse movement
- Pulse movement in dual-dosha affliction
- Vata-Pitta pulse
- Vata-Kapha pulse
- Pitta-Kapha pulse
- Sannipata pulse
- Vatarakta pulse
- Symptoms of incurable pulse
- Pulse of curable diseases
Urine Examination (मूत्र परीक्षा) (Starts on page 23)
- Time for urination at night
- In what to collect urine
- Time for urine examination
- Symptoms of Vata urine
- Symptoms of Pitta urine
- Symptoms of Kapha urine
- Symptoms of Vata-Pitta urine
- Symptoms of Vata-Kapha urine
- Symptoms of Pitta-Kapha urine
- Examination of urine by oil drops
- Examination of urine stream
- Symptom of unimpaired urine
- Color of urine in Vata-like fever
- Color of urine in Vatarakta
- Color of urine in Atisara
- Color of urine in Jalodara
- Urine of the Pitta-dominant and balanced dhatu person
- Urine of the Vata fever patient
- Urine of blood and Kapha patients
- Incurable urine
- Urine in indigestion and indigestion fever
- Color of urine in Vayu increase
- Urine in Pitta-dominant Sannipata
- Urine of Rasa increase
- Urine of Amavata and fever
- Method of testing urine with oil drops
- Method of testing urine by adding ash
- Knowledge of oil figures
Eye Examination (नेत्र परीक्षा) (Starts on page 28)
- Vata patient's eyes
- Pitta patient's eyes
- Kapha patient's eyes
- Tridosha eyes
- Incurable eyes
- Eyes of the recovered patient
Mouth Examination (मुख परीक्षा) (Starts on page 30)
- Tongue Examination (जिह्वा परीक्षा)
- Symptoms of Vata dosha, causes of disease, etc.
- Symptoms of Vata dosha
- Symptoms of Kapha dosha
- Symptoms of Pitta dosha
Fever Treatment (वर प्रतिकार) (Starts on page 33)
- Origin of fever
- Types of fever
- Other causes of fever
- Symptoms of Ama fever
- Symptoms of Mala fever
- Symptoms of ripening fever
- Symptoms of fever release
- First treatment for fever
- Symptoms of Vata fever
- Treatment for Vata fever
- Symptoms of Pitta fever
- Treatment for Pitta fever
- Symptoms of Kapha fever
- Treatment for Kapha fever
- Symptoms of Vata-Pitta fever
- Treatment for Vata-Pitta fever
- Symptoms of Vata-Kapha fever
- Treatment for Vata-Kapha fever
- Symptoms of Pitta-Kapha fever
- Treatment for Pitta-Kapha fever
- Symptoms of Sannipata fever
- Treatment for Sannipata fever
- Nasy (nasal medicine) to bring consciousness in fever
- Anjana (collyrium) in Sannipata
- Cauterization (Dahakarma)
- Mahabhayankar Sannipata (Extremely dangerous Sannipata)
- Shakyadi class (Herbs like Shakya)
- General fever treatment
- Treatment for intermittent fever
- Anjana in fever
- Treatment for Atisara
- Contraindicated foods (Kupath) in fever and other diseases
- Permitted foods (Pathya) in fever
- Dietary regimen (Bhajan) in fever (Yavagu - gruel)
- Origin and treatment of fever due to Abhichara (black magic) etc.
- Dosage (measurement) of medicine in fever and other diseases.
Head Diseases (शिरे रोग) (Starts on page 48)
- Diagnosis of head diseases
- Treatment of head diseases
Ear Diseases (कर्ण रोग) (Starts on page 49)
- Diagnosis of ear diseases
- Treatment of ear diseases
Nose Diseases (नासा रोग) (Starts on page 50)
- Types of nose diseases
- Treatment of nose diseases
Mouth Diseases (मुख रोग) (Starts on page 50)
- Treatment of mouth diseases
- Treatment for voice loss (Swarbhanga)
- Treatment for mouth ulcers (Mukhapaka)
- Treatment for dental diseases
- Diseases of the mouth (Mukha Daigandhya)
- Blisters from lime in paan
- Remedy for sweet voice (Susvara)
- Remedy for facial blemishes (Mukhavyang)
Throat Diseases (गळाना रोग) (Starts on page 52)
- Throat dryness (Galashosh)
Eye Diseases (नेत्र रोग) (Starts on page 53)
- Symptoms of Vata eye diseases
- Symptoms of Pitta eye diseases
- Symptoms of Kapha and Rakta eye diseases
- Remedy for Vata eyes
- Remedy for Pitta eye diseases
- Kapha eye diseases
- General treatment for eye pain
- Symptoms of Timira (cloudiness) disease
- Remedy for Timira disease
- General remedies for eye diseases
- Remedies for styes etc. (Chipda)
- Remedies for night blindness (Ratandhata)
- Remedies for foreign bodies in the eye
- Other remedies for styes etc.
- (Timira, Padala, etc.)
- Remedy for stye (Aanjani)
- Remedy for jaundice (Kamala)
- Chandrodaya Vati
- Remedies for Timira
- Remedies for sleep and drowsiness (Nidra Tandral)
Heart Diseases (हृदयना रोग) (Starts on page 61)
- List of heart diseases
- Symptoms of Vata cough (Vatakasa)
- Remedies for Vata cough
- Symptoms of Pitta cough (Pitta kosa)
- Remedies for Pitta cough
- Symptoms of Kapha cough (Kapha kosa)
- Remedies for Kapha cough
- Remedies for heart pain (Hridaya Shula)
- Remedies for Vayu pain
- Symptoms of Pitta pain (Pitta Shula)
- Remedies for Pitta pain
- Symptoms of Kapha pain (Kapha Shula)
- Remedies for Kapha pain
- Remedies for all types of pain (Sarva Prakar Shula)
- Remedies for post-meal pain (Parinama Shula)
- Remedies for Udvasin (difficulty breathing upwards)
- Symptoms of consumption (Kshayroga)
- Remedies for consumption
- Symptoms of consumption cough (Kshayakasa)
- Remedy for consumption cough
- Symptoms of Gulma (abdominal tumors)
- Symptoms of Vata Gulma
- Remedies for Vata Gulma
- Symptoms of Pitta Gulma
- Remedies for Pitta Gulma
- Symptoms of Kapha Gulma
- Remedies for Kapha Gulma
- Symptoms of Tridosha Gulma
- Remedies for Hiccups (Hishka)
- Remedies for Hoga (perhaps a typo for Hikka or another ailment)
Abdominal Diseases (उदरना रोग) (Starts on page 110)
- Names of abdominal diseases
- Symptoms of Vayu vomiting (Vayu ki ulti)
- Remedies for Vayu vomiting
- Symptoms of Pitta vomiting (Pitta ki ulti)
- Remedies for Pitta vomiting
- Symptoms of Kapha vomiting (Kapha ki ulti)
- Remedies for Kapha vomiting
- General remedies for vomiting
- Symptoms of Vata Udara (ascites due to Vata)
- Symptoms of Pitta Udara
- Symptoms of Kapha Udara
- What patients with gastric issues should avoid (Jathar ke rogne kya varjve)
- Remedies for abdominal diseases
- Remedies for breathlessness and cough (Shvas tatha Khansi)
Spleen and Worms (बरोळना उपाय, कृमिनु लक्षण) (Starts on page 115)
- Remedies for Spleen (Barolna Upay)
- Symptoms of worms (Krumi nu Lakshan)
- Remedies for worms (Krumi na Upay)
Pain in Waist, Navel, Abdomen, Pelvis (पृष्ठ-कटि–नाभि-कुक्षि शूल के उपाय) (Starts on page 117)
- Remedies for pain in waist, navel, abdomen, pelvis
Nal Gulma Remedies (नालGulmAna Upay) (Starts on page 118)
- Remedies for Nal Gulma
Urinary Tract Diseases (मूत्रेंद्रियमा थनारा रोग) (Starts on page 119)
- Symptoms of Vata Prameha
- Symptoms of Pitta Prameha
- Symptoms of Kapha Prameha
- Remedies for Prameha
- Symptoms of Mutrakrucchra (difficulty urinating)
- Remedies for Mutrakrucchra
- Remedies for Narroga (genital diseases)
- Remedies for kidney stones (Pathari)
- Remedies for urinary obstruction (Mutrarodh)
- Remedies for Ushna Vata (warm Vata)
Diseases of the Anus, Feet, etc. (गुद तथा पग वगेरेना रोग) (Starts on page 131)
- Remedies for Hydrocele (Andavrudhi)
- Symptoms of Arsha (piles)
- Remedies for Arsha
- Symptoms of Vata Atisara (diarrhea)
- Remedies for Vata Atisara
- Symptoms of Pitta Atisara
- Remedies for Pitta Atisara
- Symptoms of Kapha Atisara
- Remedies for Kapha Atisara
- General remedies for Atisara
- General symptoms of Grahani (malabsorption)
- Symptoms of Vata Grahani
- Remedies for Vata Grahani
- Symptoms of Pitta Grahani
- Remedies for Pitta Grahani
- Symptoms of Kapha Grahani
- Remedies for Kapha Grahani
- Diseases of the feet
- Remedies for Filariasis (Shlepad)
- Remedies for Ringworm (Rangran)
- Remedies for Val (a type of swelling or disease)
- Remedies for Urustambha (stiffness of the thigh)
- Remedies for Vicharchika (eczema or skin disease)
- Diseases of the entire body (Sarvangarog)
Luta Diseases (सूतारेग) (Starts on page 145)
- Symptoms of Luta (a type of insect bite or venomous affliction)
- Remedies for Luta diseases
- Symptoms of Vata Luta
- Remedies for Vata Luta
- Symptoms of Pitta Luta
- Remedies for Pitta Luta
- Symptoms of Kapha Luta
- Remedies for Kapha Luta
- Remedies for all types of Luta
- Incurable Luta
- Symptoms of Bhangdar (fistula)
- Remedies for Bhangdar
- Jwalagardabh Rog (Flame-donkey disease - likely a type of rash or burn)
- Remedies for Jwalagardabh Rog
- Remedies for Visphotaka (boils or blisters)
Measles and Smallpox (ओरी अछबड़ाने उपाय, शीताला (बळिया)ने उपाय) (Starts on page 153)
- Remedies for Measles and Chickenpox (Ori Achhabda)
- Remedies for Smallpox (Shitala - Baliya)
Edema/Swelling (सोजाना निदान, सोजाना उपाय) (Starts on page 154)
- Diagnosis of swelling (Soja)
- Remedies for swelling
- Remedies for swelling caused by Bhilama (a plant/poison)
Leprosy (कुष्ठ रोग) (Starts on page 158)
- Names and symptoms of six main types of leprosy
- Causes and names of leprosy
- Remedies for leprosy
- Diet for leprosy patients (Kushtavala nu Pathya)
- Symptoms of leprosy caused by Vata-like doshas
- Chintamani Yoga for leprosy
- General remedies for leprosy
Itching (Khajna Upay) (Starts on page 167)
- Remedies for itching
Siddha Kadha (सिध कढना उपाय) (Starts on page 168)
- Remedies using Siddha Kadha (prepared decoctions)
Vata Diseases (वात रोग) (Starts on page 168)
- Symptoms of the ten Vatas
- Names of the ten pulses (Nadi) - Note: This seems out of place in a Vata disease section, likely an index anomaly.
- Symptoms of Vayu
- Remedies for Vata diseases
- Vridha Vatari Taila (Oil for old Vata ailments)
Child Diseases (बालरोग प्रतीकार) (Starts on page 175)
- Treatment for children's fever and other ailments
Women's Diseases (स्त्रीओना रोगना उपाय) (Starts on page 180)
- Remedies for women's diseases
Pregnancy Related Issues (गर्भ रोगना उपाय) (Starts on page 181)
- Remedies for pregnancy-related issues
Menstrual Issues and Blood Gulma (आर्तवोध अने रक्त गुल्मनो उपाय) (Starts on page 181)
- Remedies for amenorrhea and blood gulma
Conception Remedies (गर्भधारणना उपाय) (Starts on page 183)
- Remedies for conception
Wounds and Surgical Injuries (व्रण तथा शस्त्रघात वगेरेना उपाय) (Starts on page 185)
- Remedies for wounds and surgical injuries etc.
Nadi Vran (नाडीव्रणना उपाय) (Starts on page 187)
- Remedies for Nadi Vran (fistula?)
Itching, Ringworm, Scabies etc. (खस, दादर, घवडो, वगेरेना उपाय) (Starts on page 188)
- Remedies for itching, ringworm, scabies etc.
Tumors (अर्बुदना उपाय) (Starts on page 191)
- Remedies for tumors
Blood Pitta etc. (रक्तपित्त वगेरेना प्रतीकार) (Starts on page 191)
- Remedies for Blood Pitta etc.
Anemia (पांडुरोगना उपाय) (Starts on page 192)
- Remedies for anemia
- Symptoms of anemia
- Symptoms of incurable anemia patients
Epilepsy (अपस्मारना उपाय) (Starts on page 192)
- Remedies for epilepsy
Appetite Enhancement (भूख लगवानुं चूर्ण) (Starts on page 193)
- Churna for increasing appetite
Burn Treatment (वहिदग्ध प्रतीकार) (Starts on page 193)
- Treatment for burns
Poison Treatment (विषना उपाय) (Starts on page 194)
- Remedies for poison
Lep/Ointment for Rupturing Abscesses (ग्रंथिने फाडवानो लेप) (Starts on page 196)
- Lep (paste/ointment) for rupturing abscesses
Wound Cleansing Lep (व्रणशोषण लेप) (Starts on page 197)
- Lep for cleansing wounds
Conclusion of the Book (ग्रंथ समाप्ती) (Starts on page 197)

Additional Sections:

Rasayana (रसयाने) (Starts on page 220) - Information related to alchemy or potent preparations.
- Extraction of Mercury from Hingulak ( cinnabar)
- Preparation of copper bhasma (ash) from plants
- Preparation of silver bhasma from plants
- Preparation of mercury bhasma from plants (Second method)
- Preparation of Somal bhasma from plants (Second method)
- Preparation of lead bhasma from plants
- Preparation of Harital (orpiment) bhasma from plants
Useful Churnas (उपयोगी चूर्णो) (Starts on page 222) - Lists various herbal powder preparations with their uses.
Useful Pills (उपयोगी गोलीओ) (Starts on page 226) - Lists various medicinal pills with their names.
Useful Oils (उपयोगी तैल) (Starts on page 231) - Lists various medicated oils.
Medicinal Formulations (औषध कल्पना) (Starts on page 233) - Discusses different ways of preparing medicines:
- Dosage of medicine (Aushadh Banavvanu Maap)
- Dosage for taking medicine (Aushadh Khanu Maap)
- Consideration of medicine (Aushadh Vichar)
- Swaras Kalpana (Juice preparations)
- Putapak Kalpana (Sealed-pot preparations)
- Khana dhovavraman kadhvani kriya (Process of extracting liquid from food)
- Kwath Kalpana (Decoction preparations)
- Yavagu Kalpana (Gruel preparations)
- Yush nu Vidhan (Preparation of broth)
- Pana Kalpana (Beverage preparations)
- Ushnodak Pana Kalpana (Hot water beverage preparations)
- Kshirpak Vidhi (Milk preparation method)
- Anna Swaroop Yavagu Vilepi Lakshan (Description of food-like gruel and paste)
- Peya nu Lakshana (Description of Peya - thin gruel/soup)
- Bhat karvano prakar (Method of cooking rice)
- Shuddhamand Vidhi (Method for purified starch/gruel)
- Phal Kalpana (Fruit preparations)
- Manth Kalpana (Sour milk/buttermilk preparations)
- Him Kalpana (Cold infusion preparations)
- Kalka Kalpana (Paste preparations)
- Churna Kalpana (Powder preparations)
- Goli karvani rit (Method of making pills)
- Avaleh Kalpana (Electuary/Linctus preparations)
- Ghí Tel vagere Leh Kalpana (Preparations using ghee, oil, etc. as vehicles for elixirs)
- Kanjik Alpana (Sour gruel preparations)
- Madhusut Asav tatha Arishtakalpana (Fermented medicinal preparations - Asava and Arishta)
- Sidhu Madh no Bhed (Classification of distilled liquors/spirits and honey)
- Sura Prasannadi Madh ne Bhed (Classification of Sura, Prasanna and other fermented drinks)
Purification and Calcination of Metals (Dhatu Shodhan Kriya) (Starts on page 222) - Details the processes for purifying and creating bhasmas (ashes) of various metals and minerals.
- Process for purification and calcination of all metals
- Purification and calcination of उपधातु (Updhatu - secondary metals/minerals)
- Purification and calcination of Sonamukhi
- Purification and calcination of Rupamukhi
- Purification of Meruthu (likely Meruthuta or similar mineral)
- Purification and calcination of Mica (Abhrak)
- Purification and calcination of Surma etc.
- Purification of Manshil (realgar)
- Purification of Hartal (orpiment)
- Purification of Khapariya (likely related to copper or iron residue)
- Diamond Bhasma (Heera ki Bhasma)
Medicinal Application (Aushadh Yojana) (Starts on page 230)
- Types of eye application (Netra Karma Prakar)
- Sek (Fomentation/Steaming)
- Aatan (Dropping liquid into the eye)
- Pindi (Lump or plaster applied to the eye)
- Bidala (Likely refers to Bidalak, a specific eye application)
- Tarpana (Soaking the eye)
- Putapak (A specific preparation method)
- Anjana (Collyrium application)
Purging Methods (Rechan Vidhi, Vaman Vidhi) (Starts on page 232)
- Rechan Vidhi (Methods of purgation/laxatives)
- Vaman Vidhi (Methods of emesis/induced vomiting)
- Lep Vidhan (Method of applying pastes)
- Rasayan Sambandhi Upyogi Mahiti (Useful information regarding rejuvenation/alchemy)

Key Medical Concepts and Practices Mentioned:

Tridosha: The fundamental Ayurvedic concept of three vital energies (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) influencing health and disease is central.
Pulse Diagnosis (Nadi Pariksha): A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the intricate details of pulse diagnosis, including its location, names, characteristics, and interpretation for various conditions and doshas.
Urine Examination (Mutra Pariksha): Detailed analysis of urine color, consistency, and reactions to substances like oil and ash for diagnostic purposes.
Other Diagnostic Methods: Examination of eyes, tongue, and mouth are also covered.
Herbal Remedies (Vanaushadhi): The text extensively lists various herbs and their medicinal properties, providing specific formulations like churnas (powders), gutis (pills), tailas (oils), kwathas (decoctions), and lepa (pastes).
Mineral and Metal Preparations (Bhasmas): The book includes sections on preparing bhasmas (medicated ashes) of metals and minerals, suggesting a connection to Ayurvedic or proto-Rasayana practices.
Dietary and Lifestyle Advice (Pathya and Kupathya): Throughout the text, guidance is given on what foods and practices are beneficial or harmful for specific ailments.
Jain Perspective: While a medical text, its compilation by Jain scholars and the preface's emphasis on spiritual pursuits and liberation indicate a Jain philosophical underpinning. The mention of specific Jain deities or principles is not explicitly highlighted in the provided index, but the lineage and intention suggest a commitment to Jain ethical and cultural values.

Overall Purpose:

The "Hitopdesh" appears to be a practical guide for diagnosing and treating a wide range of diseases, with a particular focus on accessible remedies that could be used by individuals or with the guidance of traditional healers. It bridges the gap between theoretical medical knowledge and its application in daily life, especially within the Jain community. The emphasis on clarity, detail, and the systematic organization of information (through Samuddesh) makes it a valuable resource for understanding traditional Indian medicine from a Jain perspective.