ABSTRACT
This research had three objectives i.e. 1) to study the Jantãgharavatara appeared in the scripture of Theravada Buddhism 2) to study the herbal treatment for health in the present time, and 3) to apply the principle of Jantãgharavatara in Theravada Buddhism to the herbal treatment for health in the present time. The research was studied by interviewing those involved and analyzed the documents concerned. The findings were as follows:
Jantãgharavatara refers the guidelines in the steaming room for the good practice of the Bhikkhus. Jantãgharavatara was originated by a petition of Jivaka Komarabhacca. In the Buddha’s time, the steaming room was constructed by available natural materials in a simple style, emphasized in the most useful appliance. Arogayasala in Buddhism referred to the Buddhist hospital which derived from the steaming room was constructed in the reign of Jayavarman VII to cure and to protect from diseases. The fourteen religious routines were the Buddhist monks’ practice for the neatness of things and place concerned, and for the well-being of the Buddhist monks. The principle of Jantãgharavatara was to cure and to protect from diseases. Its processes were to make preparedness of the steaming room, to prepare oneself, and the after-used practice of the steaming room. The nurture of the steaming room was in the burden of the Sangha. The result of Jantãgharavatara was to let the Buddhist monks know its regulations and to strengthen their bodies and minds to avoid diseases.
The herbal treatment in the present day means the fumigation of smoke of steam and fire with herb medicine in the closed area for the purpose of curing and diseases protection. The processes of herbal treatment were selecting the herbs and using the heat of 40-60 degrees. Those who received the herbal treatment would change their dresses, bathed, sat in the herbal treatment room at least 15-30 minutes, and practiced according to the rules prescribed by the temples. There might be 5 minutes pause before the second time of herbal treatment. The result of herbal treatment made the clients feel fresh of body and mind. It could cure the physical problems such as loosening the tendon, headache, cold, migraine, asthma, paralysis, and hypertension. It also brought the good mental health.
The herbal treatment was managed for the sake of business, not for the social welfare. It made the handlers selfish. Therefore, the typical principles of Jantãgharavatara should be applied for the good and happiness of the society. The Sangha should emphasize on the typical herbal treatment i.e. using good appliances such as good herbs and well-constructed room. It should be run for the purposes of good health and mental strength, not in terms of doing business.
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