Sushrut Samhita

This is a comprehensive summary of the provided text, which appears to be the introductory and table of contents sections of the Sushrut Samhita, edited by Vaidya Jadavji Trikamji Acharya and published by Chaukhambha Orientaliya. Please note that the text provided is primarily in Sanskrit with some English descriptions and titles. This summary focuses on the content presented in the text itself.

Book Title: Sushrut Samhita Author: Sushrut Maharshi Publisher: Chaukhambha Orientaliya

Overall Context: The Sushrut Samhita is presented as a foundational text of Ayurveda, specifically representing the surgical school (Dhanwantariya Sampradaya). It is highlighted as a major work in the "great triad" of Ayurvedic texts, alongside Charaka Samhita. The text emphasizes its significant contributions to the field of surgery.

Key Themes and Information Presented:

• Authorship and Lineage:

  • Sushrut Maharshi is the primary author, credited with compiling the teachings of Maharshi Sushrut.
  • The teachings originate from Maharshi Sushrut, who received them from Maharshi Sushrut.
  • The lineage traces back to Maharshi Sushrut, who received the knowledge from Maharshi Sushrut.
  • The text also mentions Dhanwantari as a divine physician and Kashiraja Divodasa as a historical teacher who imparted surgical knowledge to Sushrut and his colleagues.
  • The text delves into the mythical and historical aspects of Dhanwantari, identifying him with Lord Vishnu and associating him with the pot of ambrosia, symbolizing longevity.
  • The text also discusses the possibility of multiple authorships and layers of authorship in the Sushrut Samhita, mentioning Vriddha Sushruta, Nagarjuna, and Candrata as contributors or redactors.

• Historical Significance and Influence:

  • The Sushrut Samhita is considered a representative work of the surgical school of Ayurveda.
  • It gained immense popularity and was placed in the "great triad" of Ayurvedic literature.
  • Vagbhata mentions both Sushruta and Charaka, indicating their foundational importance.
  • The text's popularity is evident from its mention in the poetical work 'Naisadhiya-caritam' by Shri Harsa.
  • An edict from Yasovarman (888-910 A.D.) of Cambodia respectfully mentions Sushruta.
  • The Sushrut Samhita was translated into Arabic in the 9th century A.D. by order of Barmak Khalifa Yahia Ibn Khalid, and quoted by the physician Rhazes.
  • It was translated into various languages like Latin, German, and English by several scholars.
  • The text discusses the potential dating of Sushruta, placing him during the Satavahana period (around the 2nd century A.D.) based on geographical and religious references, and suggesting he was posterior to Caraka.
  • The introduction also engages in a detailed discussion about the dating of Sushruta, referencing Vedic and Puranic literature, Panini, Yaska, and various scholarly opinions.

• Content and Contributions:

  • The Sushrut Samhita is recognized for its comprehensive coverage of surgery.
  • Major contributions highlighted include:
    • Dissection of human cadavers: Sushruta is called the "Father of Anatomy" for his detailed descriptions of skin, membranes, bones, joints, muscles, and blood vessels.
    • Method of training: A systematic approach to training through lectures, demonstrations, and practicals is described, with operative and experimental surgery performed on various objects known as 'Yogya'.
    • Surgical instruments and operations: Detailed descriptions of surgical instruments (Yantra for blunt, Shastra for sharp) and eight types of surgical operations are mentioned. Specific operations like Caesarian section, laparotomy, and anorectal surgery are highlighted.
    • Plastic surgery: Sushruta's unique contribution to plastic surgery is emphasized, for which the world is indebted to him.
    • Military medicine and toxicology: These branches are considered a corollary of surgery and have been given a scientific shape with classifications and treatments for poisonous substances.
    • Fundamentals of Ayurveda: Sushruta advanced concepts like five types of Pitta, six stages of pathology (kriyakalas), and the pathogenic importance of blood (rakta). His definition of 'swastha' (healthy) is considered ideal.
    • Drug science: Contributions include elaborating pharmacodynamics and introducing specific drugs, classified into 37 ganas, including mineral drugs.
  • The text is structured into six parts (Sthanas): Sutra, Nidana, Sharira, Chikitsa, Kalpa, and Uttara Tantra. The provided table of contents lists chapters within these sections.

• Commentaries:

  • Several important commentaries on the Sushrut Samhita are mentioned, including those by Jejjata, Gayadasa, Sri Madhava, Brahmadeva, Bhaskara, Gudhapadabhanga, Vangadatta, Cakrapanidutta, and Dalhana.
  • Dalhana's commentary, "Nibandha Sangraha," and Gayadasa's commentary, "Nyayachandrika" or "BIhat Panjika," are specifically incorporated into the presented edition.
  • Dalhana's introduction provides details about his place, genealogy, and patron, placing him in the last quarter of the 12th century A.D.
  • Gayadasa is identified as a physician of King Mahipala of Bengal (11th century A.D.) and the author of 'candrika' commentaries, earning him the popular name 'candrikakara'.

• Textual Analysis and Strata:

  • The text highlights the presence of four strata of authorship in the available Sushrut Samhita: Vriddha Sushruta, Sushruta, Nagarjuna, and Candrata.
  • Materials are distinguished based on historical perspectives, with the oldest attributed to Divodasa and Vriddha Sushruta (Upanishadic period), the second stratum to Sushruta (Satavahana period), contributions along with Uttara Tantra to Nagarjuna, and the latest views to Candrata (medieval period).
  • The analysis of seasons and astronomical evidence is used to support the hypothesis of different strata of authorship, indicating a gap of 1500 years between the views of Divodasa/Vriddha Sushruta and Sushruta.

• Specific Edition Details:

  • The presented edition is the fourth reprinted edition from 1980.
  • It is part of the Jaishridas Ayurveda Series No. 34.
  • The edition includes the Nibandhasangraha commentary of Sri Dalhanacharya and the Nyayachandrika Panjika of Sri Gayadasacharya on Nidana Sthana.
  • The editing was done in two stages: from the beginning to the 9th Adhyaya of ChikitsaSthana by Vaidya Jadavji Trikamji Acharya, and the rest by Narayan Ram Acharya "Kavyatirtha".
  • The introduction is by Prof. P. V. Sharma, formerly Director of the Postgraduate Institute of Indian Medicine, Banaras Hindu University.

Jain Context: While the text is a renowned Ayurvedic treatise, the explicit mention of "JAIN EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL FOR PRIVATE AND PERSONAL USE ONLY" at the beginning and the catalog link to "jainqq.org" suggest that this particular presentation or access to the text is within an educational framework related to Jainism. However, the content of the Sushrut Samhita itself, as summarized, is a medical and surgical text rooted in Vedic and Puranic traditions, not specifically Jain philosophy. The Jain connection likely pertains to the source of this digital copy or its distribution.

Structure of the Summary (Table of Contents): The text includes a detailed table of contents listing chapters within various sections (Sthana) of the Sushrut Samhita, such as:

• Sutra Sthana (chapters 1-46)
• Nidana Sthana (chapters 1-5)
• Shareera Sthana (chapters 1-8)
• Chikitsa Sthana (chapters 1-56)
• Kalpa Sthana (chapters 1-6)
• Uttara Tantra (chapters 1-66)

This summary covers the main points presented in the provided text, reflecting its historical, intellectual, and textual significance.