March 23rd, 2007 | admin

Jivaka or Jeevaka is a much quoted name in the history and teachings of Ayurveda. The main reason can be JivakaÂ’s test, the test given by his teacher, Atreya Acharya on completion of his medicine studies. He, like other disciples of Atreya had to bring a herb or a leaf with no medicinal value. Jivaka, could not find such a plant or a herb. However, it was only a manifestation of superior knowledge he had on the value of plants, herbs and all elements of nature.

Buddhist texts have elaborate mentioning of Jivaka as the physician of Lord Buddha. Like sushruta, Jivaka also is believed to perform surgical procedures.