Indian Medicine (Medicin), translated by C. G. Kashikar c9.1

c9.1

§ 18. Training of Physicians¹ :— In the choice of a teacher the future physician should be cautious and should approach a person who is experienced both in theory and practice, is clever and blameless, has got control over his hand, has the necessary means and materials (of relief) and possesses friendly behaviour. Similarly a teacher should accept as a pupil only a young man from good family, especially from a family of physicians, intelligent, courageous and devoted to his teacher and one who has a good memory and other qualities. The beginning of instruction is preceded by a consecration ceremony (Upanayana). The instruction is not to be imparted on pretty numerous holidays and on unlucky natural events and occasions of impurity etc. He has to show particular respect and strict obedience to the teacher These and similar directions remind us of the statements of Dharmaśāstra about the conduct of the Brahmacārin² and are copied from them (Car. 3. 8. 1-5; Su. 1. 2; AS. 1. 2).