About the book
In ayurvedic medical practice, the ways in which and the reasons why people become ill are often explained with stories. This book explores the forms and functions of narrative in Āyurveda, India's classical medical system. Looking at narratives concerning fever, miscarriage, and the so-called king's disease, Anthony Cerulli examines how the medical narrative shifts from clinical to narrative discourse and how stories from religious and philosophical texts are adapted to the medical framework. Cerulli discusses the ethics of illness that emerge and offers a genealogy of patienthood in Indian cultural history. Using Sanskrit medical sources, the book excavates the role, and ultimately the centrality, of Hindu religious thought and practice to the development of Indian medicine in the classical era up to the eve of British colonialism. In addition to its cultural and historical contributions to South Asian Studies, the medical narratives discussed in the book contribute fresh perspectives on medicine and ethics in general and, in particular, notions of health and illness.
Editions of Somatic Lessons
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781438443874
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781438443867
- PDF
- ISBN 9781438443881
Read an Excerpt
In ayurvedic medical practice, the ways in which and the reasons why people become ill are often explained with stories. This book explores the forms and functions of narrative in Āyurveda, India's classical medical system. Looking at narratives concerning fever, miscarriage, and the so-called king's disease, Anthony Cerulli examines how the medical narrative shifts from clinical to narrative discourse and how stories from religious and philosophical texts are adapted to the medical framework. Cerulli discusses the ethics of illness that emerge and offers a genealogy of patienthood in Indian cultural history. Using Sanskrit medical sources, the book excavates the role, and ultimately the centrality, of Hindu religious thought and practice to the development of Indian medicine in the classical era up to the eve of British colonialism. In addition to its cultural and historical contributions to South Asian Studies, the medical narratives discussed in the book contribute fresh perspectives on medicine and ethics in general and, in particular, notions of health and illness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Somatic Lessons about?
In ayurvedic medical practice, the ways in which and the reasons why people become ill are often explained with stories. This book explores the forms and functions of narrative in Āyurveda, India's classical medical system. Looking at narratives concerning fever, miscarriage, and the so-called king's disease, Anthony Cerulli examines how the medical narrative shifts from clinical to narrative discourse and how stories from religious and philosophical texts are adapted to the medical framework. Cerulli discusses the ethics of illness that emerge and offers a genealogy of patienthood in Indian cultural history. Using Sanskrit medical sources, the book excavates the role, and ultimately the centrality, of Hindu religious thought and practice to the development of Indian medicine in the classical era up to the eve of British colonialism. In addition to its cultural and historical contributions to South Asian Studies, the medical narratives discussed in the book contribute fresh perspectives on medicine and ethics in general and, in particular, notions of health and illness.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Somatic Lessons?
Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Hinduism
Where can I read a sample of Somatic Lessons?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781438443874
How long is Somatic Lessons and how many pages does it have?
Somatic Lessons has 229 page(s)
Is Somatic Lessons part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series SUNY series in Hindu Studies
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Somatic Lessons?
Anthony Cerulli
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Somatic Lessons is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781438443874) and paperback(ISBN 9781438443867) and pdf(ISBN 9781438443881)
Where can I buy Somatic Lessons online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Somatic Lessons from below
Where can I buy Somatic Lessons?