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Significance of Leprosy

Leprosy is described across various traditions as a chronic infectious disease primarily caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae, which affects the skin, nerves, and mucous membranes, resulting in significant pain and lesions. In Vaishnavism, it symbolizes physical ailments that are minor compared to spiritual consequences of offending Vaishnavas. Leprosy also appears in mythological contexts as a consequence of sin or curse, prompting quests for healing. Overall, it is recognized as a severe condition with profound implications both physically and spiritually.1
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Synonyms: Hansen's disease, Infectious disease

In Malay: Kusta; In Dutch: Lepra; In German: Lepra; In Finnish: Lepra; In Spanish: Lepra; In Swedish: 厂辫别迟盲濒蝉办补; In French: 尝猫辫谤别

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'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, leprosy symbolizes the consequences of negative actions, exemplified by the chieftain's daughter's abandonment due to her condition and Princess Rohini's affliction owing to her past anger and jealousy.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)

(1) The disease that afflicted Princess Rohini as a result of her past evil deed driven by anger and jealousy.[1]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Mahavastu (great story)

(1) A disease that harmed the beauty of the daughter of the chieftain, leading to her abandonment.[2]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Leprosy'

Hinduism Books

Leprosy in Hinduism is seen as a chronic infectious disease linked to spiritual purity, often highlighted through narratives of afflicted figures, emphasizing its physical manifestation as a consequence of moral failings and the quest for healing.

Significance in Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy):
Rasashastra Books

From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry

(1) A chronic infectious disease that the medicinal compound aims to help treat.[3] (2) A serious skin disease that the medicine is formulated to cure.[4] (3) A chronic infectious disease treated by the pills mentioned in the text.[5] (4) A condition that is claimed to be treated by the prepared medicine consisting of realgar and sulphur.[6] (5) A serious disease identified as one that may be treated with this medicine.[7]

From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 2: Minerals (uparasa)

(1) A chronic infectious disease caused by bacteria, characterized by skin lesions and nerve damage.[8] (2) A disease treatable with the incinerated form of haritala.[9] (3) A disease that can be treated by sulphur, highlighting its medicinal properties.[10] (4) A disease that Haritala is said to cure along with other ailments.[11] (5) A chronic infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae, affecting the skin, nerves, and mucous membranes.[12]

From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances

(1) A disease that dhattura cures, showcasing its therapeutic potential.[13] (2) A chronic infectious disease that can develop as a consequence of consuming improperly incinerated lead.[14] (3) A severe condition that may be caused by excessive salt.[15] (4) A disease that is claimed to be alleviated by the use of Pushpa-raga.[16] (5) A disease that both white and red arka are stated to cure.[17]

From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 5: Treatment of various afflictions

(1) A serious infectious disease that can arise due to the presence of certain types of worms in the body.[18]

Rasashastra is an important branch of Ayurveda, specialising in chemical interactions with herbs, metals and minerals. Some texts combine yogic and tantric practices with various alchemical operations. The ultimate goal of Rasashastra is not only to preserve and prolong life, but also to bestow wealth upon humankind.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) A disease that causes skin lesions and nerve damage, indicating a severe physical affliction experienced by the subject.[19] (2) A disease that causes burning pain and inconvenience, used metaphorically to describe the consequences of blaspheming the Vaishnavas.[20] (3) A chronic infectious disease that affects the skin, mucous membranes, and peripheral nerves, which the speaker is afflicted with.[21] (4) A chronic infectious disease that leads to damaged skin, nerves, and mucous membranes, causing significant pain.[22] (5) A term used here to signify a physical ailment that is considered insignificant when compared to the spiritual consequences of offending a Vaishnava.[23]

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) A disease that Samba was suffering from, which he was cured of by bathing in the lake.[24]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (鈥榯en avatars of Vishnu鈥�).

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)

(1) A chronic infectious disease characterized by skin lesions, classified into three varieties.[25]

From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)

(1) A chronic bacterial infection affecting skin and peripheral nerves, known as Hansen's disease.[26]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) A chronic infectious disease that is to be avoided when considering family suitability for marriage.[27] (2) a well-known chronic infectious disease that causes severe skin lesions and nerve damage.[28]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Garuda Purana

(1) A disease considered primarily caused by specific species of small, bloodborne parasites.[29]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India鈥檚 vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

The concept of Leprosy in local and regional sources

History Books

Leprosy is depicted as a disease contracted by the King after a snake bite, specifically from the polan虇ga in disguise, illustrating its association with transformation and unexpected consequences in the provided context.

Significance in South Asia:
South Asia Books

From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3

(1) The disease that struck the King after being bitten by the polan虇ga (snake) in disguise.[30]

The concept of Leprosy in scientific sources

Science Books

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease primarily affecting skin and nerves, significant in dermatology education. Treatment varies, including Ayurvedic remedies and Siddha formulations, and is caused by Mycobacterium leprae with a long incubation period.

Significance in Scientific journals, articles, etc.:

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.[31]

This section includes scientific research in the field of healthcare, often involving traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Holistic health. It includes papers from scientific journals classified as either original, clinical or experimental research, review articles or case reports.