VOICE OF THE RISHIS - 50

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PRIYA BHAGAVAT BANDUVULLARA!

 

VOICE OF THE RISHIS: 50

 

COURTESY SHRI RAPARLA JANARADHANA RAO

 

TASMAAT BAHU SHRUTAH SAASTRAM

 

--MAHARSHI CHARAKA

 

This is a sane observation stating that one branch of knowledge with

all its in-depth study will not prove adequate, but knowledge should

consist of a composite of various applied or relative branches (bahu

shrutam) of knowledge. A single body of knowledge, as the saying

goes, does not prove perfect by a study in itself, but should be

studied along with other related branches.

 

The importance of a broad and variegated knowledge is stressed in

this saying. This is originally aimed at the physicians. A

physician should not only have an in-depth knowledge of a particular

faculty of science, but should have the exposure of other related

branches of knowledge.

 

Doubtless specialization is now the trend in medical science calling

for expertise in a particular branch of knowledge, but this

specialization does not mean that the doctor can afford to be

ignorant of other allied subjects. While he may specialize in a

particular field of knowledge, here it is exhorted, that it behoves

on the part of a successful physician to be acquainted with other

related branches too, so that he carries with him a comprehensive

picture of disease and the drugs the curative agencies and the

varied methods of their operation.