Jīvaka
Renowned physician to the Buddha and King Bimbisāra, celebrated for his healing arts.
Chronology: -401 – -401
Origins & Early Life
Jīvaka (Pali: Jīvaka Komārabhacca; Sanskrit: Jīvaka Kaumārabhṛtya) was the personal physician (Sanskrit: vaidya) of the Buddha and the Indian King Bimbisāra. He lived in Rājagṛha, present-day Rajgir, in the 5th century BCE. Sometimes described as the "Medicine King" (pinyin: yi wang) and "Thrice Crowned physician" he figures prominently in legendary accounts in Asia as a model healer, and is honoured as such by traditional healers in several Asian countries. Accounts about Jīvaka can be found in Early Buddhist Texts in many textual traditions such as the Pāli and Mūlasarvāstivāda traditions, as well as later Buddhist discourses and devotional Avadāna texts.
Pivotal Works & Achievements
Textual traditions agree that Jīvaka was born as a foundling of a courtesan (gaṇikā), but not who his parents were exactly. Regardless, Jīvaka was found and raised by people from the royal court of King Bimbisāra. As he grew up, Jīvaka decided to travel to Takṣaśilā, to learn traditional medicine from a well-respected teacher. He turned out to be a promising student, and after seven years, started his healing profession in Rājagṛha. His medical feats gained him a reputation and he was quickly appointed as the personal physician of...
Enduring Legacy & Impact
The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.
Source: Wikipedia