Let’s start with all of the most common ways to refer to the man.
Jivaka
Sivaka
Shivago
He is almost always also referred to by his full name, which also has spelling variations:
Jivaka Komarabhacca (from the Pali Buddhist scriptures)
Jivaka Komalaboat
Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha
Jivaka Amravana
In the context of traditional Thai medicine and massage, he is often respectfully referred to in English as the “Father Doctor”
Dr. Shivaga Komarabaccha,
a legendary figure in the history of medicine in Thailand, China, and Tibet, is popularly referred to as the founder of Thai massage. However, the truth is that there is no proof that he ever traveled to Thailand.
The Story of Jivaka’s Birth.
In the 4th century BCE, Salavarti, a trained dancer and a master of the arts of discussion, served as the official courtesan of the small city Rajagaha. She gave birth to a baby boy but did not keep the child. The abandoned baby was found by Prince Ahhaya, who named him Jivaka Komarabaccha and decided to raise him.
Shivago became a Doctor.
Jivaka was interested in the field of medicine and was determined to pursue it. During that period, Taxila was a hub of medical education. So, after coming of age, Jivaka traveled to the city. There, he became the apprentice of Atreya, a renowned physician who is mentioned in Ayurvedic history. He studied medicine with Atreya for seven years. He graduated unexpectedly one day when he returned to his teacher after thinking he had failed, having been assigned to find a plant with no medicinal value.
Atreya then pronounced him a valid physician and declared him fit to practice the healing arts.
His Relationship to the Buddha and Buddhism.
There are accounts of him treating the Buddha with dietary changes, gentle purgation, and the use of lotus flowers. He developed a close relationship with Buddhism’s first sangha, a community of Buddhist monks and nuns.
Regarded as a white-robed lay Buddhist who served the sangha through his medical services, a tradition of medicine started in Buddhist monasteries as they expanded outward from India.
As Jivaka’s story became part of the medical lore across many countries, it was adapted to suit the audience. For example, the Tibetan story presents him as the illegitimate son of King Bimbisara and a merchant’s wife. At the same time, a Chinese version portrays his mother as a mythical virgin who gave birth. One thing that is common to all accounts is Jivaka’s success in performing an open skull surgery.
Some Misconceptions about Dr. Shivago.
Jivaka was neither a monk nor a practitioner of Thai massage. He just supported the monastic order by offering his medical services and served as an inspiration for anyone who intends to bring relief to those they touch.
Dr. Jivaka lived in India approximately 2,500 years ago, during the time of the Buddha. He never physically traveled to Thailand, but it was through Buddhist legends and texts that he became a well-known figure in the country. Moreover, as popularly claimed, he did not create the Thai massage technique.
Then, why is he revered across Thailand by village herbalists, midwives, allopathic medical doctors, and dentists? Because he was a great healer.
This is how he influenced traditional Thai medicine’s theoretical system through Buddhist accounts that were transmitted to Thailand by travelers between India and China.
