स्वास्थ्य रक्षण : जैनाचार्यों के अनुसार

Summary

This article discusses the perspectives of Jain acharyas (spiritual teachers) on health preservation. It notes that while Jain acharyas primarily focused on spiritual liberation and the shedding of karmas, they also provided guidance on health for lay followers and monastics. The text explains that Jain acharyas, while adhering to complete non-violence, created numerous independent Ayurvedic texts based on traditional knowledge to address imbalances of bodily humors (vata, pitta, kapha) and other physical ailments. The article traces the origin of this health knowledge to the first Tirthankara, Rishabhadeva, and states that the knowledge was later reflected in the teachings of Mahavira, particularly in the twelfth Purva, called Pranavayu, which discussed internal and external health. This text is considered the root of Ayurveda. Many Jain acharyas subsequently authored health-related works, including Acharya Padalipta Suri, Acharya Siddha Nagarjuna, Acharya Samantabhadra, Acharya Pujyapada Swami, and Acharya Ugraditya, who wrote the significant text *Kalyanakaraka*. The article highlights several unique features of these Jain Ayurvedic texts. They emphasize a completely non-violent approach, prohibiting the use of honey, meat, and alcohol. Some texts use coded language that requires knowledge of Jain symbols and philosophy to interpret. For instance, Acharya Samantabhadra's *Pushpayurveda* describes the preparation of medicines from 18,000 types of pollen-free flowers to avoid harming even single-sensed beings. The guidance from these acharyas covers daily routines from waking up to sleeping, including yoga, diet according to season and individual constitution, and the importance of avoiding night meals. The article provides specific examples of health advice, such as the use of Triphala for longevity, remedies for reducing kapha, and the preparation of a digestive powder. It concludes by lamenting that many of these valuable texts are now lost or in poor condition.