Page:Sushruta Samhita Vol 3.djvu/403

 Now we shall discourse on the chapter which deals with the (symptoms and) medical treatment of the disease brought on through super-human* influences (Amánusha-Pratishedha). 1. Now we dilate upon the dictum which has been put forward in the first portion of the present work, and which is to the effect that a patient suffering from ulcers should always be protected from the evil influences cast by night-rangers (i.e., ghost, monsters, and malignant spirits, etc.). Whoever produces superhuman character in a man by making him exhibit uncommon fortitude and marked irrelevancy in his dealings and the power to know the private and future events is called a Graha. 2-3.

Causes of influence by a Graha:— Innumerable are the Grahas and their tutelary divinities who roam about in the world in quest of offerings or out of their innate tendency for mischief and cruelty and choose their victims from among persons who are impure in body, mind and acts — be they ulcerated or otherwise. These Grahas though possessed of various shapes and figures are mainly classified under eight groups or families. The Devas (deities) and their enemies (viz. the Asuras), Gandharvas, Yakshas, Pitris (manes), Bhujangas, (Serpent-dieties), Rákshasas (monsters) and Piśáchas (filthy goblins) are the eight classes of Grahas. 4-5. Indications Of attack by Grahas: —A person possessed by a Deva (divine) Graha is cleanly,