Do the Buddhist Jataka tales Describe the Disorders Found in the DSM?

 

 

Dr. Ruwan M Jayatunge, M.D. PhD

Buddhist Jataka tales are a rich collection of fables that encompass a total of 550 narratives, each designed to impart moral lessons and illustrate the virtues of perfection. These narratives were gathered and documented during the period spanning from 300 BCE to 400 CE.

Buddhist Jataka tales serve as a profound repository of narratives that can be likened to an ancient diagnostic manual, akin to a historical version of the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), offering insights into various mental ailments and emotional conditions. (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is published by the APA, or the American Psychiatric Association, and it provides broad symptomatology and standard criteria for the classification of mental disorders. It has been considered the Bible of psychiatry.

The Jātaka tales made their way into Europe at the close of the medieval era through Arab intermediaries, subsequently being translated into major languages such as Greek, Spanish, German, Italian, French, and English. T.W. Davids, a British scholar and expert in Pāli and Indology, noted that these Buddhist Jātaka stories significantly influenced Western fables and narratives. Professor E. B. Cowell, Professor of Sanskrit in the University of Cambridge, brought out the complete edition of the Jātaka stories between 1895 and 1907.

Buddhist Jataka tales explore a range of mental health issues, including neurodevelopmental disorders, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, as well as bipolar and related conditions. They also address depressive and anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and those related to trauma and stress. Additionally, the tales delve into dissociative disorders, somatic symptom disorders, feeding and eating disorders, sleep-wake disorders, and substance-related and addictive disorders. Furthermore, they encompass neurocognitive disorders, personality disorders, and issues related to disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorders.

Two significant works explore the Buddhist Jataka tales and their connection to DSM-based mental health issues: "Psychiatric Aspects of Jataka Stories" by Dr. D.V.J. Harischandra and "Psychological Aspects of Buddhist Jātaka Stories" by Dr. Ruwan M. Jayatunge. These texts provide an in-depth analysis of the mental ailments outlined in the DSM as they relate to the narratives found in the Jataka tales.

In this context, Dr. Timothy Ness poses a significant inquiry: Did ancient Buddhist tales foreshadow the DSM-5? The Jataka tales narrate essential stories that can be compared to various disorders outlined in the DSM, such as hysteria, sexual dysfunction, gender dysphoria, paraphilias, substance abuse, personality disorders, psychosis, schizophrenia, depression, autism, and even disruptive mood dysregulation disorder and intermittent explosive disorder. Rolf B. Gainer, PhD, suggests that Jātaka tales were designed to shed light on human nature and to deepen the understanding of the thought processes and behaviours that contribute to psychological distress.

The Jātaka Tales depict various characters exhibiting a range of psychotic behaviors. One notable example is the Labha-Garu Jātaka, which portrays an individual displaying signs of insanity. In these narratives, the term "Umathu" is employed to describe such madness, highlighting characteristics like abnormal conduct, a disconnection from reality, and flawed reasoning and decision-making. The Jātaka Tales serve as illustrative cases of psychotic behaviour, providing insight into the complexities of mental disturbances.

Numerous Jataka tales illustrate the clinical symptoms of depression. In the Assaka Jātakaya, a king falls into a deep depression following the death of his queen. The storyteller provides a vivid account of the king's emotional turmoil, aligning closely with contemporary DSM criteria for depression. After the queen's passing, the king is engulfed in profound sorrow, which seems unending, leading to a disinterest in his royal duties. Similarly, in the Panditha Jātakaya, King Vasudeva succumbs to depression after the loss of his son, highlighting the pervasive impact of grief on mental health.

The Chethiya Daddara Jātaka narrative depicts a monk suffering from Intermittent Explosive Disorder, characterized by his propensity for violent outbursts triggered by minor provocations. This monk frequently resorts to both verbal and physical abuse against his fellow monks, creating a toxic environment that significantly disrupts the community. His uncontrollable rage not only harms those around him but also poses serious challenges to the harmony and stability of monastic life.

The Ummaga Jātakaya tells the story of Count Gorimannda, who experiences mental retardation characterized by a lack of social and emotional reciprocity, poor motor coordination, excessive salivation, and atypical speech patterns. Similarly, the Achari Jātakaya and Nangulisa Jātakaya also depict characters with mental retardation, highlighting cognitive delays, limited intellectual capabilities, and difficulties in social adaptation. These narratives provide insight into the challenges faced by individuals with such conditions.

The Jātaka tale reveals a remarkable story of a young prince, Themiya, who exhibits behaviors associated with autism as a means to outsmart the king and the royal physicians. Disillusioned by his father's oppressive rule and the suffering of the subjects, Themiya seeks to distance himself from the kingdom. In his quest for escape, he displays typical autistic traits, such as avoiding eye contact, failing to engage in social interactions, and ignoring those around him. Through these behaviors, the little prince cleverly crafts a facade that allows him to break free from the constraints of his royal life.

The Thila Mutti Jātakaya, part of the Jātaka tales, narrates the story of a prince exhibiting traits associated with conduct disorder. He frequently disregards societal norms, displaying temperamental outbursts and aggressive tendencies. When his mentor reprimands him for his theft, the prince reacts with intense anger and a vengeful resolve against the teacher.

The Jātaka tales provide a nuanced exploration of various psychological conditions through their characters. In the Dummbala Katta Jātakaya, a monk exhibits symptoms consistent with PTSD, including fear, flashbacks, hyperarousal, avoidance, and exaggerated startle responses. The Chula Panthaka Jātaka addresses learning disabilities, while the Kudhala Jātakaya tells the story of an individual fixated on a mammoty, illustrating obsessive behavior. The Kusa Jātakaya delves into body dysmorphic disorder, and the Maha Supina Jātakaya presents a clear case of sleep terror disorder. Additionally, the Surapana, Punna Pathi, and Bddraghataka Jātakas highlight health and behavioral issues linked to alcoholism. The Darmadavaja Jātaka reveals a tragic narrative of a king suffering from alcohol-induced psychosis, culminating in the horrific act of killing his infant son and compelling the royal chef to prepare the child's flesh. Lastly, the Thakari Jātaka features Thundila, a pathological gambler, further illustrating the diverse psychological themes woven throughout these ancient stories.

The character Pandit Kavinda in the Ummaga Jātakaya narrative appears to experience Dissociative Trance Disorder, specifically a possession state that manifests monthly during full moons. During these episodes, he loses both bodily control and consciousness. The Jātaka tales further explore various psychological conditions, such as the young man Pinguthara, who displays clear signs of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder. Another character, Kema, illustrates the concept of fetishism, while the Maha Kunala Jātakaya features Princess Krishna, who exhibits traits suggestive of Nymphomania. The story of Kundala Keshi introduces the Bonnie and Clyde Syndrome, depicting a wealthy girl drawn to a criminal. In the Bahiya Jātaka, a voyeuristic king finds sexual gratification through observing a woman in private moments. Additionally, Queen Mallika in the Jātaka tales demonstrates Zoophilia through her sexual encounter with an animal. Lastly, the Andha Butha Jātakaya presents a young wife who derives sadistic pleasure from physically and emotionally humiliating her blindfolded husband while engaging with her lover.

Buddhist Jataka tales explore a wide range of mental health issues, presenting various case studies that illustrate the impact of these ailments on individuals, their families, and society at large. These narratives not only depict behavioral patterns associated with mental challenges but also convey moral lessons and compassionate insights related to these experiences. Through storytelling, the Jataka tales offer a profound understanding of the human condition and the interconnectedness of personal struggles and communal well-being.

Buddhist Jataka tales present ancient narratives that intriguingly align with modern psychological principles, particularly those outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). These stories, rich in moral and ethical lessons, offer insights into human behavior and mental states, reflecting themes that resonate with contemporary understandings of psychological conditions. By exploring the complexities of the human experience, the Jataka tales serve as a bridge between ancient wisdom and current psychological frameworks, highlighting the timeless nature of mental health issues.