History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c22.s3.8

v1.c22.s3.8

The techniques of therapy include the employment of incantations (*Mantra*), precious stones and sacred gems (*Maṇi*), auspicious rituals (*Maṅgala*), oblations (*Bali*), gifts (*Upahāra*), sacrifices (*Homa*), penances (*prāyaścitta*), fast (*Upavāsa*), benediction (*svastayana*), bowing before elders and divine beings (*Praṇipāta*) and visits to sacred spots (*Gamana*) etc. all of which are intended to counteract the force of unfavourable past action (*Daiva*) and to secure divine influence in order to eliminate the diseases.