A History of Indian Medical Literature v3.c42.s5.8

v3.c42.s5.8

In a way similar to what is found in the *Caraka-* and *Suśrutasaṃhitā*, the *Bhelasaṃhitā* presents accounts of discussions among sages on important topics. Subjects of these discussions, which are less elaborate and smaller in number than in the *Carakasaṃhitā*, are the number of the tastes (Sū.12) and embryology (Śā.4). The persons taking part in the deliberations on the tastes are Ātreya, Khaṇḍakāpya, Maitreya, and a number of other sages.²² In both *Bhela-* and *Carakasaṃhitā* the meeting takes place in the Caitraratha forest. In contrast with the *Carakasaṃhitā*, the *Bhelasaṃhitā* does not attribute the views expounded to particular individuals. Nevertheless, as in the *Carakasaṃhitā*, seven different opinions are referred to, which are finally rejected by Ātreya, who proclaims the correct doctrine on the tastes.