Hindu Medicine c7.214

c7.214

All classes in general, it is taught, should acquire medical knowledge to lay proper foundations for the fulfilment of life’s fourfold task: to become prosperous, self-sustaining, financially independent (artha); to fulfil the religious and moral duties (dharma) imposed upon man in the form of debts or obligations to the gods, to his ancestor-spirits and to his fellow creatures; to enjoy unimpaired sensual gratification (kāma); and, last but not least, to accomplish release from the bondage of the round-of-rebirths (mokṣa) through the enlightening realization of man’s essential nature. This is brought about by means of ascetic practice, yoga exercises and spiritual guidance.