Significance of Disease
Disease is perceived variably across different philosophical and religious frameworks. In Hinduism, it impacts sacrificial rites and reflects physical conditions like pulmonary consumption, linked to spiritual journeys in Jainism. Ayurveda views it as a disruption in the normal state, while Yoga emphasizes freedom from ailments through meditation. Science categorizes disease based on diagnostic criteria. Each perspective highlights the multifaceted nature of disease, as both a physical affliction and a spiritual or metaphorical condition, showcasing its significance in human life and health.
Synonyms: Illness, Sickness, Ailment, Condition, Malady, Affliction, Plague, Disease process, Infirmity
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Disease'
In Buddhism, disease embodies both physical afflictions and a metaphor for the suffering of existence, representing the need for ongoing management of the aggregates, ultimately highlighting the pervasive nature of suffering in life.
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) Common afflictions, with diabetes being noted as the exceptional high disease.[1]
From: The Doctrine of Paticcasamuppada
(1) The ailments that afflict living beings, contributing to suffering throughout life.[2]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) A metaphorical comparison indicating how the aggregates require continuous management and bring about suffering.[3]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A condition that afflicts the body and symbolizes the suffering inherent in the cycle of life.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Disease'
In Hinduism, disease encompasses manifestations of Adharma's negative traits, health ailments requiring protection, conditions treated by mantras, and disturbances in bodily humours, reflecting both spiritual and physical dimensions of health and suffering.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A condition experienced by Vadala after being cursed, specifically pulmonary consumption which rendered him blind and deaf.[5]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Illnesses resulting from the actions invoked by Death, linked to the tears shed by her.[6]
From: Agni Purana
(1) A physical condition that can be addressed through the chanting of specific mantras.[7]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) The manifestations of the negative traits begotten by Adharma, causing suffering and mortality among humans.[8]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) Sickness or fever resulting from disordered humours, causing distractions from meditation.[9]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) Refers to physical or mental ailments that the individual becomes free from through meditation.[10]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The disturbance of the equilibrium of the humours, chyle, and the organs of the body.[11]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) Various health issues that can be treated by the medicine, as stated in the text.[12]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 2: Minerals (uparasa)
(1) Various ailments for which the gold-coloured liquid may be used as a treatment.[13]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 2: Nidanasthana
(1) Maladies resulting from the derangement of Vayu and interactions with other principles.[14]
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) A harmful deviation from the normal structural or functional state of an organism, influenced by natural or biological factors.[15]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A condition signifying illness, mentioned in the context of those who should consume the remnants for healing.[16]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Refers to physical ailments; in the context of marriage eligibility, a girl who is free from disease is preferred.[17]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Health afflictions that are stated to be nonexistent in the location where the Syamantaka jewel is honored.[18] (2) Health issues or ailments from which the speaker is asking for protection.[19]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) Health afflictions mentioned in the context of harm inflicted through intentional acts, often as a result of using specified mixtures.[20]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Used metaphorically to describe the threat posed by Cirajivin against the King of Crows.[21]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A condition affecting the sacrificial horse that requires additional offerings for healing; it reflects concerns regarding the animal's health in sacrificial rites.[22]
Jain concept of 'Disease'
In Jainism, Disease is viewed as a physical affliction affecting health, not to be demeaned. It represents one of fourteen trials saints may face, emphasizing its role in spiritual growth and understanding of bodily suffering.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) One of the fourteen afflictions that may affect saints, indicating physical illness in their spiritual journey.[23] (2) A condition of ill health within the body, categorized as an affliction.[24]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) Health issues that impact the body, examples being boils or leprosy, which should not be spoken of in a derogatory manner.[25]
The concept of Disease in scientific sources
Disease, in the context of Ayurvedic practices, pertains to health conditions identified and managed through Koshtha assessment, a diagnostic approach that focuses on individual constitution and digestive health for effective treatment.
From: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
(1) Health conditions that the use of Padina pavonica as an herbal alternative aims to alleviate.[26] (2) A pathological condition of a bodily part, an infection, or disorder resulting from various factors including environmental exposure.[27]
From: International Ayurvedic Medical Journal
(1) Health conditions that are diagnosed and treated based on Koshtha assessment in Ayurvedic practices.[28]