Disability in an eastern religious context: historical perspectives.

Disability in the past of eastern religions has attracted little formal or comparative scrutiny. A range is sketched here of historical data, viewpoints and attitudes on disability in Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam, which continue to influence the thoughts of half the world's population. Approaches for more detailed studies are suggested, moving towards such global measures for understanding, remediating and accommodating disability as would be more appropriate and acceptable to the non-western majority. Popular notions associated with disabilities in these religions are discussed.