Significance of Nidana
In Jainism, Nidana represents a character's intention or vow, often tied to their desire for spiritual transformation, revenge, or certain experiences in future lives. In Ayurveda, Nidana refers to the causative factors, like diet and lifestyle, that contribute to a disease's development, with their avoidance forming a key part of treatment. In Mahayana Buddhism, it denotes the context of the Buddha's teachings and the conditions determining the origination of phenomena. In Health Sciences, Nidana signifies the causative factors of a disease, particularly in Ayurvedic contexts.
Synonyms: Cause, Reason, Origin, Source, Explanation, Antecedent, Root
In Dutch: Nidana; In German: Nidana; In Finnish: Nidana; In Spanish: Nidana; In Swedish: Nidana; In Malay: Nidana; In French: Nidana; In Portugese: Nidana; In Italian: Nidana; In Polish: Nidana
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Nidana'
Nidana in Buddhism has multiple meanings. It can refer to the source of Buddhist texts, a specific part of scriptures, the circumstances surrounding the Buddha's teachings, the cause of craving, and the introduction to the Prajnaparamita.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) These are accounts or stories that demonstrate the Buddha's impassivity when faced with attempts to harm him.[1] (2) This is a specific component included within the twelve-part division of the scriptures, as mentioned in the context of both Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism.[2] (3) The prologue or introduction of the Pancavimshati explaining the context and reasons for the preaching of the Prajnaparamita.[3] (4) Refers both to the circumstances of time, place, and people related to the Buddha’s teachings and to the series of twelve conditions determining the dependent origination of phenomena.[4]
From: Catusacca Dipani
(1) Foundation, origin, or cause that leads to the increase of craving and desire for pleasurable objects.[5]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) Refers to the source of the texts in the context of the record and transmitted teachings in Buddhism.[6]
Hindu concept of 'Nidana'
In Hinduism, Nidana signifies the causative factors or origins of a disease, encompassing dietary, lifestyle, psychological, and environmental influences. Understanding Nidana is crucial for disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, as it influences the manifestation of illness and guides therapeutic approaches.
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) Nidana refers to the etiological factors, and the Nidana of Kamala can be divided into specific Nidana of Koshtashakashrita Kamala and Shakashrita Kamala.[7] (2) Nidana refers to the instigating causes of Parkinson's Disease, including Vardhakya, Rasapradosha, Deha Karshana, and Dhatu Visheernata due to Oja Kshaya.[8] (3) It refers to the causes or etiological factors that lead to Srotodushti, often involving the consumption of Ahara and Vihara that are similar in properties to Doshas and opposite in properties to Dhatus.[9] (4) It is explained by Acharya Charaka of Vataja Shirashoola such as Upavasa, Shoka, Bhaya, Trasa etc.[10] (5) Following this results in Vandhyatwa, Trinapuli and Vaartadi Vyadhi. The factors can lead to various health conditions.[11]
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) This word is derived from the Sanskrit Dhatu ‘Nil’ which carries the meaning to determine. Nidana of Pandu Roga can be classified into following three categories. Aharaja Nidana is one of them.[12] (2) The knowledge of this is very essential for disease management, especially in chronic diseases like GERD.[13] (3) Plays a crucial part in incarnation of any condition and complaint itself acts as Nidana and plays a crucial part in the onset of another complaint.[14] (4) These are many causes of malnutrition in terms of classical texts mentioned such as Aaharaja.[15] (5) It refers to the causative factors of Pakshaghata, often related to general Nidana of Vata Vyadhi.[16]
From: Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine
(1) Nidana refers to the etiology or causes of a disease, which are subclassified into general and specific factors for Parikartika.[17] (2) The Hetu for Shwitra are described only by Acharya Charaka, and Acharya vagbhat has mentioned the hetu of kushta is also responsible for shwitra.[18] (3) This refers to the cause or causative factors of a disease, which is a critical aspect of the diagnostic process in Ayurveda, and helps to understand the disease's origin.[19]
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) The external aetiological factors that cause disturbances in health, affecting the balance of doshas and leading to disease.[20]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 1: Sutrasthana
(1) The division dedicated to the causes and symptoms of diseases, with a focus on their investigation.[21]
Jain concept of 'Nidana'
In Jainism, Nidana signifies a vow, intention, or desire driving actions, shaping future lives. It can involve seeking revenge, specific experiences, or spiritual transformation. Nidana highlights the connection between actions, desires, and their consequences, emphasizing karma's role in reincarnation.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A nidana is made by the former king, which had the desire for the enjoyment of an army and treasure as its specific object of focus.[22] (2) A reason or intention Gangadatta had when going to Mahashukra.[23] (3) A wish or desire expressed by Vishvabhuti for strength in his next birth.[24] (4) A vow or intention expressed by Vishvabhuti for strength to kill Vishakhanandin in another birth.[25] (5) A term denoting a wish or intention, specifically in this context referring to King Vikata's desire to be reborn with the purpose to vanquish King Rajasimha.[26]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) It is also known as longing for future enjoyment and involves constantly thinking about future enjoyment, according to the text.[27]
The concept of Nidana in local and regional sources
Nidana, in Buddhist philosophy, signifies the twelve interconnected links forming the cycle of birth and rebirth. These links act as causes, represented by the twelve spokes of a wheel, driving the continuous cycle of existence.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The twelve spokes of the wheel representing the sequence of causes leading to the cycle of birth and rebirth in Buddhist philosophy.[28]
From: Gommatsara by Acharya Nemichandra
(1) Nidana is the desire for enjoyments in the next world, a partial transgression of the principle of peaceful death.[29]
The concept of Nidana in scientific sources
Nidana in Ayurveda refers to the causes or factors that lead to the manifestation of a disease. It encompasses etiological factors, causative triggers, and root causes. Understanding Nidana is crucial for diagnosis, treatment, and understanding the origins of various conditions like Tamaka shwasa, Amavata, and Shvasa Roga.