Dissemination of knowledge for health and wellbeing: with special reference to Buddhism and Ayurveda

Gamage C. K.

Abstract

Accessing and disseminating reliable health information is a key component of health literacy. Health literacy denotes of individuals and communities acquiring, process and understanding the basic health information and services regarding their health and wellbeing. Dissemination of knowledge in Ayurveda system of medicine and Buddhism is of utmost importance for diverse audiences. Ayurveda emphasizes complete positive health and spiritual attainments while Buddhism is a deep philosophy that offers advice for the preservation and the well-being of human beings and even the flora and fauna. This paper aims to explore the close affinity between primary concepts of Buddhism and Ayurveda, to identify the informative similarities that exist between both disciplines, to investigate the positive effects of Ayurveda system on Buddhism and to explore how Buddhism contributed to promoting Ayurveda medicine in Sri Lankan society. A documentary analysis was done using the primary sources of Vinaya pitakaya, Vissuddhimagga and Vridhatraya etc. The study concludes that both disciplines are very closely affiliated and run parallel to each other with similar concerns, principles and philosophies. Accordingly, it is very clear that the Buddha is the foremost religious leader who has analyzed comprehensively the mental diseases of human beings. It further reveals that Buddhism contributed immensely to promoting Ayurveda medicine in Sri Lankan society, especially under the patronage of Sri Lankan kings.