This book review is reprinted from the Winter 2005 edition of The Homoeopath with permission from Nick Churchill of The Society of Homoeopaths.
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The Sensation In Homoeopathy
by Rajan Sankaran

Homoeopathic Medical Publishers, India, 2004
732 pages, hardback ISBN 8190110365
www.rajansankaran.com

Reviewed by Jo Evans

Some critics may say Rajan Sankaran's methods defy logic. According to this latest book, he might reply that the essence of what needs to be cured can only be perceived by going beyond logic, into the sensation of the patient. Despite appearing to be throwing down a homeopathic gauntlet to some (especially in some of the terminology he adopts, such as 'realm of nonsense'), it will be clear to the careful reader that Sankaran's evolving body of work has the classical homeopathic texts firmly at its foundation. While the methods are very clearly explained, understanding the true meaning and value of this work requires close attention. Sankaran dares to think freely and develop his ideas, and due to the nature of the work, readers are advised not to study it superficially, or in isolated parts.

'The Sensation' is not strictly Hahnemann's 'sensation' (as in 'sensation and function', which Hahnemann stresses must be perceivable by the senses) but may be compared to what Hahnemann describes in aphorism 211 of The Organon as the state or disposition of the patient, this being the thing that 'chiefly determines the selection of the homeopathic remedy'. The Sensation, which exists, in Sankaran's words, in 'the realm of nonsense' (explained further below), is deeper than delusion, and of a more vital, spiritual nature than the observable physical, mental and emotional symptoms. It is in fact a deeper, more cohesive expression of all these levels simultaneously: the patient's experience of the delusion taken to its depth.

As Hahnemann emphasised in the same aphorism, it is the expression of the vital force in characteristic symptoms, not particulars, which will lead to the correct prescription. As Sankaran puts it: 'Follow the patient from the chief complaint right down to his deepest level, which is sensation and energy.' This means not always being sidetracked by the more superficial and particular level of the patient's story, but allowing them to go deeply into describing and expressing their state through their language and gestures. To underline this further, Sankaran acknowledges the Boenninghausen method, where there are no local symptoms, only general ones, as indicators of the deranged vital force.

So how is the Sensation defined, and indeed recognised? And then what to do? The book provides clear and detailed answers to these questions, and many case examples. The reader is methodically guided into the meaningful 'Realm of Nonsense' (subtitled: The World of the Source), on which there is a 70-page section and many other explanatory passages, found from the beginning of the book. It is in the World of the Source where the Sensation lies, and where the essence of the simillimum may be found. In addition to the Sensation, the miasm must also be ascertained to make the best prescription.

Sankaran on 'nonsense': 'I understood further that the things we absolutely do not understand, that make no sense to us, must come directly from the source. From this point on in my practice I could see that if we are attentive enough we can pick up in the case, especially close to the level of sensation, things that make absolutely no sense. I call this complete nonsense, and it has directly to do with the source... it is borrowed from something in nature... Nonsense is the language of the source being expressed through the human being.' (p.546)

The 'Bombay method' is deservedly popular, and the clinical results to prove its worth have been observed by increasing numbers of homeopaths. Not all the philosophical statements will sit well with all readers though. For instance, stating that the disturbance of the vital force is an energy pattern 'borrowed' from nature in order to cope with the way we perceive reality. Some might ask: borrowed when, from where, and how, and why? Is it too 'easy' an explanation of where disturbance of the vital force comes from? Perhaps not all the philosophical questions can be answered definitively yet. Philosophy is also a way of perceiving, and in perpetual evolution. So, we will see. Personally, I am eager to watch and wait for more developments from someone with so many clinical and practical 'answers'.

The bulk of the book explains the finer points of case taking (with its many detailed levels, painstakingly annotated for the benefit of the reader), case analysis, and ongoing case follow-up. There are additional chapters covering the treatment of children and managing acute situations. Many cases are provided throughout, all with notes and observations from the author, enhancing the readers' understanding of the process, step-by-step. I found it to be an extremely generous, inspiring and instructive book: a work of great vision, grounded in clinical experience.