Indian Medicine (Medicin), translated by C. G. Kashikar c11.37

c11.37

Su 2.8.5 gives the following description of the eight positions: [1] the child descends with both the legs (sakthi, literally upper thighs) in the vagina. [2] Only with one leg while the other is bent in. [3] With bent legs and trunk, with back side, in circular position. [4] It covers the vagina with the breast (with belly) or sides or the back. [5] The head is bent towards the sides, one arm is stretched forward. [6] The head is sunk, while both the arms are stretched forward. [7] The middle part of the body is bent, while the hands, feet and the head are stretched forward. [8] One leg arrives in the vagina, the other towards the arms. MN 419 offers another version: [1] Blocking the entrance with the head. [2] With the belly. [3] Hump-backed through the turning of the body. [4] With one arm. [5] With both the arms. [6] In circular position. [7] The face downwards. [8] Tilted towards the sides. Another old classification distinguishes only four cases with characteristic names: [1] kīla (wedge) when the child blocks the vagina like a wedge with arms, head and feet directed above. [2] pratikhura, when the hands, feet and head come out and the trunk remains stuck. [3] bījaka, when the child comes out with the head and one arm. [4] parigha ("bolt") when it lies at the opening like a bolt. Su 2.8.4 records this classification, but expresses his disapproval for it. It is found also in MN 419 and in Bhoja (according to citations); the latter defines pratikhura in rather a different way, viz. as a foetus coming out downwards, crooked or by side.