Significance of Leprosy
Synonyms: Hansen's disease, Infectious disease
In Malay: Kusta; In Dutch: Lepra; In German: Lepra; In Finnish: Lepra; In Spanish: Lepra; In Portugese: Lepra; In Swedish: Spetälska; In French: Lèpre; In Italian: Lebbra; In Polish: Trąd
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Leprosy'
In Buddhism, leprosy symbolizes the consequences of negative actions. It represents the physical manifestation of past evil deeds fueled by anger and jealousy, as seen in Princess Rohini's affliction. The disease also reflects the loss of beauty and subsequent abandonment, highlighting the impact of karma.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The disease that afflicted Princess Rohini as a result of her past evil deed driven by anger and jealousy.[1]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) Leprosy is mentioned as a disease that disqualifies a person from receiving the upasampada ordination, indicating that individuals with this condition are ineligible for the process.[2]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A disease that harmed the beauty of the daughter of the chieftain, leading to her abandonment.[3]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) The Dharmasvamin fell seriously ill with leprosy, leading him to seek a secluded place to make his dead body invisible.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Leprosy'
In Hinduism, leprosy is a chronic infectious disease, often associated with skin lesions, nerve damage, and mucous membrane issues. It's portrayed as a consequence of actions, curses, or imbalances, with treatments involving medicine and spiritual remedies. The disease is also linked to themes of purity, karma, and the quest for healing.
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) It is one of the ailments that the medicinal preparation is intended to cure, among other conditions such as swelling due to anaemia.[5] (2) It is a condition that the medicine is said to cure, among other ailments like fevers and spermatorrhoea.[6] (3) Leprosy is a condition that the medication is indicated to help alleviate, offering potential therapeutic benefits for individuals experiencing it.[7] (4) This is one of the ailments that is treated by the medicine that is made from the kajjali.[8] (5) A chronic infectious disease that the medicinal compound aims to help treat.[9]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 2: Minerals (uparasa)
(1) A disease that can be treated by using a specific type of clay, specifically the pitika variety, known for its medicinal properties and curative effects.[10] (2) Leprosy can be cured with hingula, further demonstrating its medicinal value and its capacity to address various diseases when used appropriately.[11] (3) A disease that can be cured by taking sulphur, especially when purified and prepared in specific ways.[12] (4) A chronic infectious disease caused by bacteria, characterized by skin lesions and nerve damage.[13] (5) A disease treatable with the incinerated form of haritala.[14]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
(1) A chronic infectious disease that can be cured by the powder made from the sixth process.[15] (2) One month’s use of poison, in the prescribed way, cures kushtha, which is the name for this disease, of eight different kinds.[16] (3) Leprosy can be cured by the vaisya variety of poisons, which are yellow in colour, according to the provided text, and is associated with the merchant class.[17] (4) A disease that dhattura cures, showcasing its therapeutic potential.[18] (5) A chronic infectious disease that can develop as a consequence of consuming improperly incinerated lead.[19]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 5: Treatment of various afflictions
(1) The text mentions leprosy as a disease that can be cured by a medicine.[20] (2) A serious infectious disease that can arise due to the presence of certain types of worms in the body.[21]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 1: Initiation, Mercury and Laboratory
(1) This is especially cured by mercury. It has six different kinds of taste, has a soothing effect upon the human system, and destroys the three different kinds of doshas. It nourishes all the vital parts of the body.[22] (2) One of the ailments that can arise from taking an unrefined substance, a chronic infectious disease.[23]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A disease considered primarily caused by specific species of small, bloodborne parasites.[24]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The deities do not accept the libations if they behold a woman in her season of impurity, or one that is the daughter of a mother afflicted with this.[25]
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) The rhizome of Sthulagranthi is used as a hot remedy for coughs, asthma, worms, leprosy, and other skin diseases.[26] (2) Its seeds are used for the treatment of scabies, ulcers, vitiligo, leukoderma, eczema, leprosy, and psoriasis.[27] (3) Root of Aconitum ferox and Aconitum napellus is used for this condition.[28]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) Leprosy is mentioned as a possible outcome of dietary incompatibility, and the text offers guidance on addressing such issues and other diet-related diseases.[29] (2) A chronic infectious disease characterized by skin lesions, classified into three varieties.[30]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) Leprosy is mentioned as one of the dermatological disorders that can be a symptom of Samarakta, indicating Ama.[31] (2) An exclusion criteria, as mentioned in the materials and methods section, which prevents a subject from participating in the study.[32]
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) A chronic bacterial infection affecting skin and peripheral nerves, known as Hansen's disease.[33]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 4: Cikitsasthana
(1) Leprosy, referred to as Kushtha, is a condition treated with Shaktu, a fine powder made from fried barley-corn prepared through the Mantha-Kalpas process.[34]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Leprosy is the consequence of attacking the spiritual body of the Lord, affecting both the gross and subtle bodies of those who do not accept His form.[35] (2) A disease that causes skin lesions and nerve damage, indicating a severe physical affliction experienced by the subject.[36] (3) A disease that causes burning pain and inconvenience, used metaphorically to describe the consequences of blaspheming the Vaishnavas.[37] (4) A chronic infectious disease that affects the skin, mucous membranes, and peripheral nerves, which the speaker is afflicted with.[38] (5) A chronic infectious disease that leads to damaged skin, nerves, and mucous membranes, causing significant pain.[39]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A disease that Samba was suffering from, which he was cured of by bathing in the lake.[40]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A chronic infectious disease that is to be avoided when considering family suitability for marriage.[41] (2) a well-known chronic infectious disease that causes severe skin lesions and nerve damage.[42]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) A disease that can be treated by applying a mixture of priyangu and naktamala through the nose.[43]
The concept of Leprosy in local and regional sources
Leprosy, in this context, is the illness afflicting the King. The text identifies it as the disease contracted after a snake bite. This suggests the snake, the polan̆ga, caused the leprosy, possibly through venom or infection.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The disease that struck the King after being bitten by the polan̆ga (snake) in disguise.[44]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) A document is included that contains information on using Gurjan oil for the treatment of leprosy, offering potential relief from the disease.[45]
The concept of Leprosy in scientific sources
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It primarily affects the skin and nerves, with a long incubation period. The text mentions various treatments, including Siddha formulations, Ayurvedic remedies, and medicinal plants like Commelina benghalensis and Halela siyah.
From: International Journal of Pharmacology
(1) It is a chronic infectious disease associated with disability, stigma, and discrimination towards affected individuals and its transmission still occurs in endemic regions.[46] (2) A chronic infectious disease that affects the skin, nerves, and other organs, for which Commelina benghalensis has been used medicinally.[47] (3) A disease treated with the root of Cassia auriculata.[48]
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) Leprosy is a topic included in the dermatology module, and is considered very important for medical students to understand, particularly in certain regions.[49]
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) Leprosy is one of the biggest contagious diseases mentioned by the Holy Prophet, for which prevention is considered the best form of healing.[50] (2) A severe illness that causes Jewish and Samaritan lepers to overcome ethnic hatred and form a community.[51]
From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (MDPI)
(1) Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, resulting in skin lesions and nerve damage if untreated.[52] (2) It is examined in a case-control study in North Gondar Zone, Ethiopia, along with undernutrition and food insecurity, to identify infection risk factors associated with poverty.[53]
Classical concept of 'Leprosy'
From: The History of Herodotus
(1) A skin disease that causes individuals to be excluded from cities and mingling with other Persians, believed to be caused by offending the Sun.[54]