Kalyankarak

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Kalyana-Karaakam" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Kalyana-Karaakam Author(s): Ugradityacharya, Vardhaman Parshwanath Shastri Publisher: Govind Raoji Doshi, Solapur Publication Year: 1940 (Veer Samvat 2466) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/001938/1

Overall Description:

"Kalyana-Karaakam" is a significant Jain medical treatise authored by Acharya Ugradityacharya, with an esteemed Hindi translation and commentary by Pt. Vardhaman Parshwanath Shastri. Published by Seth Govindji Raoji Doshi in Solapur, this work is a testament to the Jain tradition's deep engagement with the science of life, Ayurveda. The text is noted for its comprehensive approach to various diseases and their treatments, highlighting the Jain principles of ahimsa (non-violence) by emphasizing medicinal preparations that avoid the use of animal products like flesh, alcohol, and honey.

Key Aspects and Content Summary:

The provided pages offer a glimpse into the extensive nature of the "Kalyana-Karaakam," particularly focusing on its preface, the introduction to Ayurveda, and the beginning of the text's chapters.

1. The Publisher's Words (Prakashak ke do shabd): The publisher, Seth Govindji Raoji Doshi, expresses his deep respect for his late father, Dharmavir, whose fervent wish was to see this book published for the benefit of the world, especially in the field of Ayurveda. The publication is a tribute to his father's memory. He expresses gratitude to Pt. Vardhaman Parshwanath Shastri for his meticulous editing and translation, as well as to Pt. Anantrajendra and Vaidya Bindumadhav for their revisionary work, and Vaidya Gangadhar Gunne Shastri for the detailed introduction.

2. Dedication (Samarpan): The editor, Pt. Vardhaman Parshwanath Shastri, dedicates the book to the memory of Seth Raoji Sakharam Doshi, a devout follower of Jainism, who dedicated his life to the propagation of Jain Dharma, service to Jain literature, and care for Jain ascetics. His efforts were instrumental in the revival and publication of this great text, though he passed away before its completion.

3. Introduction to the Kalyana-Karaakam Vaidya-Granth (Prastavna):

   • Origin of Ayurveda: The introduction delves into the ancient origins of Ayurveda, suggesting its necessity arose with the very existence of life. Even uneducated societies practice some form of medical care.
   • Vedic and Jain Connections: It touches upon mentions of Ayurveda in the Rigveda and Atharvaveda, highlighting the concept of Ayurveda as an upaveda (sub-Veda). It also points out that Jain Agamas, particularly the Dṛṣṭivāda Anga, extensively discuss Ashtanga Ayurveda, considering it the foundational scripture for all Ayurvedic scholars.
   • Historical Context: The introduction places "Kalyana-Karaakam" after Vagbhata, acknowledging the antiquity of works by Agnivesha, Jatukarna, Bhela, and Parashara. It notes that Charaka and Sushruta's works, though later refined, are ancient. The text's language and content suggest a post-Vagbhata period.
   • Ayurveda's Core Principles: It explains the fundamental Ayurvedic concept of Tridosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) as the basis of bodily equilibrium and disease when unbalanced. It discusses the subtle and pervasive nature of these doshas and their manifestation in gross and ultra-subtle forms at the atomic level.
   • Jain Contributions to Ayurveda: The introduction emphasizes the significant role of Jain acharyas in the development of Ayurveda, particularly in Rasashastra (Alchemy) and in advocating for a purely vegetarian approach to medicine, thus upholding the principle of ahimsa.
   • Impact of Invasions: The text laments the destruction of Ayurvedic knowledge and libraries due to invasions, particularly during the period of Allaudin Khilji's campaigns.
   • Ashtanga Ayurveda: It outlines the eight branches of Ayurveda: Kayachikitsa (Internal Medicine), Balachikitsa (Pediatrics), Graha Chikitsa (dealing with psychic influences), Urdhvanga Chikitsa (ENT & Ophthalmology), Shalya Chikitsa (Surgery), Damstra Chikitsa (Toxicology), Jara Chikitsa (Rejuvenation/Rasayana), and Vṛṣa Chikitsa (Aphrodisiacs). The "Kalyana-Karaakam" is said to cover these extensively.
   • Principles of Diagnosis and Treatment: The importance of Nidana (diagnosis) is highlighted, emphasizing the need to consider the patient's constitution, environment, strength, time, digestive fire, diet, and the state of the disease (Ama, Pakva, etc.).
   • Jain Specifics in Medicine: A key point is the Jain tradition's strict adherence to ahimsa, leading to the complete avoidance of animal products like meat, alcohol, and honey in their medicinal formulations. Only naturally occurring, non-harmful animal products like kasturi (musk) and gorochana are mentioned.
   • Jain Textual Features: The introduction notes that the book includes a dictionary of plant-based medicinal terms in Hindi, Marathi, and Kannada, making it accessible to a wider audience. It also discusses the unique Jain approach to medical texts, which emphasizes traditional lineage and avoids speculative or private interpretations.
   • Authenticity: The text's authenticity is traced back to the teachings of the first Tirthankara, Lord Adinath, and transmitted through the Jain scholastic tradition, reinforcing its credibility.

4. Chapter Outlines (Vishayanukramanika): The provided TOC reveals a detailed structure of the book, covering:

   • Chapter 1: Mangalacharan (Invocation) & Origin of Ayurveda
   • Chapter 2: Health Preservation Principles
   • Chapter 3: Anatomy and Physiology (Dhatus, Doshas)
   • Chapter 4: Dietetics (Seasonal and Food properties)
   • Chapter 5: Liquid substances and their properties (Water, Milk, Oils, etc.)
   • Chapter 6: Daily Regimen and Rasayana (Rejuvenation)
   • Chapter 7: Principles of Diagnosis and Treatment
   • Chapter 8 onwards: Specific diseases categorized by dosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), conditions (Jvara - Fever, Atisara - Diarrhea, Shotha - Swelling), and body parts (Shirah - Head, Karna - Ear, Nasa - Nose, Mukha - Mouth, Dant - Teeth, Galya - Throat, Mastishka - Brain), progressing to complex conditions like Gulma, Pandu Roga, Unmada, Apasmara, Rajaykṣma (Tuberculosis), Masurika (Smallpox), and then to specific branches like toxicology (Visharoga), and management of afflicted individuals (Balagraha, Bhuta Tantra).

5. The "Kalyana-Karaakam"s Distinctiveness: The preface highlights the originality of the medicinal formulations in the text, noting that they are not found in other medical works. It praises the purity of the author's intentions and the scientific rigor behind the practices. The absence of non-vegetarian and intoxicant ingredients is a significant Jain characteristic.

6. Editor's Note (Sampadakiy Vaktavya): Pt. Vardhaman Parshwanath Shastri candidly admits his non-medical background but expresses his dedication to reviving and translating this important Jain medical text due to the apparent lack of interest from within the Jain medical community. He acknowledges the significant contributions of other Jain acharyas to various fields, including medicine and astrology, and laments the poor preservation and publication of such valuable literature. He details the challenges faced, including the poor quality of available manuscripts and the time taken for correction and translation.

Overall Significance:

"Kalyana-Karaakam" stands as a crucial document in the history of Indian medicine, particularly from a Jain perspective. It not only preserves ancient Ayurvedic knowledge but also integrates it with Jain ethical principles, offering a unique perspective on holistic health and well-being. Its revival and publication in 1940 were a significant undertaking, made possible by dedicated individuals committed to preserving and disseminating Jain heritage.