Publication: Healthcare in Pali Buddhism
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Issued Date
2018-08-01
Resource Type
ISSN
00224197
Other identifier(s)
2-s2.0-85018436221
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Mahidol University
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Journal of Religion and Health. Vol.57, No.4 (2018), 1224-1236
Suggested Citation
Giuliano Giustarini Healthcare in Pali Buddhism. Journal of Religion and Health. Vol.57, No.4 (2018), 1224-1236. doi:10.1007/s10943-017-0402-4 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/44923
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Title
Healthcare in Pali Buddhism
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Abstract
© 2017, Springer Science+Business Media New York. This article addresses an apparent paradox found in Pali Buddhist literature: while the “uncompounded” (asaṅkhata) is valued over and above what is “compounded” (saṅkhata), the texts also encourage careful attention to relative (or, physical) health. The mind is the laboratory and the object of a thorough work meant to lead to final liberation from mental affliction and from the cycle of existence, whereas the body is perceived as impure, limited, and intrinsically unsatisfactory. Nonetheless, a disciple of the Buddha is supposed to take care of his/her own and others’ physical wellbeing, and monastic equipment includes a set of medicines. “Ultimate health” is the final goal, but conventional healthcare supports the path to nibbāna and represents a value per se. The present article will explore the intricate connection between these two dimensions.