Mahavagga 8.17

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

MAHAVAGGA

EIGHTH KHANDHAKA (THE DRESS OF THE BHIKKHUS)

Chapter-17.

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 going on his rounds through the sleeping-places, 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 are moistening those robes thoroughly with water, to loosen them (from his body).'

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

'I allow, O Bhikkhus, to whomsoever has the itch, or boils, or a discharge, or scabs, the use of an itch-cloth.'