Feeling (Vedana) in the Mahanidana Sutta and in the Charakasamhita: A Comparative Study

Abstract

It may be noted, in brief, that all the systems of Philosophy, religion and medicine have been originated out of the search of the method to relieve the feeling, which is un-delight. The Buddha says, "Health is the greatest of gifts" (Arogya paramä /äbhä).l Ayurveda came into existence to eliminate pain and suffering of the living being. Charaka says that the cause for all the pursuits: Dharma (religion), Artha (wealth), Keirna (desire) and (liberation) is the health.3 Therefore, it is an interesting fact that there is a similarity, on the concept Of Vedanå, between the Buddhism, being a religion and a philosophy based on the theory of cause and the Carakasmilhitå, being a medical treatise based on Hindu philosophy, especially VaiQ5ika philosophy. The discussion has been made here, to examine the similarity between both Buddhism and the Cara/easamhitä, on Vedanå. Sources are mainly, for the study, has been treated as the Mahänidåna sutta of Dighanikäya and artrastbåna of the Cara/easatilhitä. Besides, some passages like from Vedanåsapüyntta of Smüyuttanikäya and Sntrasthäna of the Carakasamhitå also have been cited for further clarification. The Mahånidana sutta is a discourse of the Buddha, included in the