A History of Indian Medical Literature v1.c26.s2.79

v1.c26.s2.79

The first passage usually referred to in this context (A.s.Sū.3.43 = A.h.Sū.2.33cd–34ab) says that one should not set foot on a number of particular places. The first of these places is the shadow of a caitya, interpreted in this case as a Buddhist sanctuary. The argument hinges on the meaning of caitya. The commentators are not very helpful. Aruṇadatta remarks that a caitya is either a holy tree or a Buddhist place of worship; Candranandana calls it a tree in which a deity resides; Hemādri comments that a tree in which a graha has his residence is meant; Indu refrains from an explanation in saying that a caitya is well known; 237 Parameśvara follows Aruṇa in declaring it to be a holy tree, called mannumaram in the regional language, or a Buddhist sanctuary; Śrīdāsapaṇḍita agrees with Candranandana, although adding that it is a Buddhist place of worship according to Hāṭaka and a tree in a garden according to the Hṛdyākāra.