Much of the credit for the Thai healing arts (medical traditions) can be attributed to Dr. Jeevaka (Dr. Siwaka and Dr. Siwago). In particular, his disclosure of the 72,000 Sen Energy Lines (the basis of Thai massage) and his many recipes for Thai herbal medicines are among his many accomplishments. In Thailand (and other Asian countries), Jeevaka is an important Buddhist saint and is regarded as the Buddha's benefactor in terms of health and healing. Thai people still pray to him to cure their ailments and thank him for his healing and the medical knowledge he passed on to mankind.
The famous wai kru (joining palms to the master) ceremony in the Thai massage and traditional Thai medicine communities always speaks to him and pays homage to him. His knowledge, and the many chants and incantations associated with him. If you have studied Thai massage in Thailand, you have probably seen Thai massage instructors teaching Dr. Jeevaka with respect and gratitude, sometimes accompanied by chants and prayers.
It is clear that Buddhist practice emphasizes meditation. However, the Buddha was also greatly concerned with physical health. Thus, it is said that the Buddha taught in the Dhammapada (Dhammapada Sutra) that "health is the highest benefit."
From Jeevaka's life, we can see that he not only cared for the Buddha, but also showed concern for the community of monks and gave top priority to their health.
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