Susruta Samhita - Mandhata Global

490 THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA. [Chap. XXIV.
drowsiness and sense of fatigue and softens the skin of
the soles of the feet. 45-46.
The use of shoes is efficacious in curing the diseases
of the feet and is conducive to pleasure and verile
potency. It acts as a prophylactic against the influences
of evil spirits, makes walking easy and pleasant, and
improves the Ojas in the body. Walking without shoes
is perilous to life and health, and is attended with
the danger of impaired vision. 47'4S.
The shaving of hair and the paring of nails lead to
the expiation of one's sins, make a man cheerful, tend
to appease his fate, increase his energy and impart
a. lightness to the frame. The putting on of armour
(Va(nava(ra) improves one's strength, energy and com-
plexion and gives a lustre to the body. The wearing of
a turban (Ushnisha) acts as a protection against wind,
dust, sun and light, helps the luxurious growth of hair
and tends to improve the purity of the mind. 49-51,
The use of an umbrella is a protection against
rain, wind, dust, dew and sun. It improves one's
energy, Ojas, eye-sight and complexion, and is an
auspicious thing in itself. The use of a stick (Danda)
dispels the fear of dogs, snakes, beasts of prey, (tigers,
etc.) and horned animals. It considerably alleviates
the toil of a journey, lessens the probability of making
a false step and is specially commended to the weak
and imbecile. It increases one's energy, strength and
patience, makes the mind firm and bold, acts as a proper
support and makes one fearless. 52 53.
Sitting idle (Asya) gives pleasure. It improves the
glow of one's complexion, increases the Kapha and corpu-
lency and makes the body delicate, while an active pedes-
trian habit (A-dhva) is detrimental to the complexion.
It reduces the fat and Kapha of the body, and removes