A History of Indian Medical Literature v3.c48.s16.66

v3.c48.s16.66

Chapter two lists the eighteen saṃskāras: svedana, mardana, mūrchā, utthāpana, pātana, nirodha, niyama, dīpana, gaganagrāsapramāṇa, cāraṇa, garbhadṛti, bāhyadruti, jāraṇa, rāga, sāraṇa, krāmaṇa, vedha, and bhakṣaṇa (1–2). 155 One method for each of the eight eight saṃskāras is described (3–11). Three naisargikadoṣas are mentioned: mala, śikhin (= agni) and viṣa, leading to mūrchā, dāha and death respectively (5). The kañcukas are not enumerated and only referred to as nāga- and vaṅgadoṣa in the verse on pātana (8); a ṣaṇḍadoṣa is mentioned in the verse on śodhana (9). The term sṛṣṭi is explained by the commentator as consisting of the urine, semen and blood of cattle, sheep, goats or human beings (9). 156 Subjection to the eight saṃskāras described makes mercury suitable to the next processes (10).