Mahavogga 6.9

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Adapted from the Translation by T. W. Rhys Davids and Hermann Oldenberg

MAHAVAGGA

SIXTH KHANDHAKA(ON MEDICAMENTS)

Chapter-9

1. Now at that time the venerable Belatthasisa, the superior of the venerable Ananda, had a disease of thick scabs; and by reason of the discharge of that, his robes stuck to his body. The Bhikkhus moistened those robes with water, and loosened them (from his body).

The Lord Buddha as he was wandering in search of a lodging-place for the night saw them [doing so], and going up to the place where they were, he asked them:

'What is the matter, O Bhikkhus, with this Bhikkhu?'

'The venerable one has the disease of thick scabs; and by reason of the discharge of that, his robes stick to his body. So we moisten those robes with water, and loosen them (from his body).'

2. Then the Lord Buddha on that occasion, having delivered a dhamma discourse, addressed the Bhikkhus, and said:

'I allow, O Bhikkhus, the use of chunam as a medicine by whomsoever has the itch, or boils, or a discharge, or scabs, or whose body is ill-smelling, and to those in health the use of dry dung, and of clay, and of colouring matter. I allow the use, O Bhikkhus, of a pestle and mortar.'