四分律刪繁補闕行事鈔 3.115

3.115

For sustaining physical life, nothing surpasses medicines. The name 'medicine' is general, but in summary it is divided into four: What is called timed medicine: from dawn to midday, the sacred teaching allows its consumption; this accords with circumstances and complies with the Dharma, incurring no burden of offense. What is called untimed medicine: various mixed syrups and the like, established for illness; consumption is permitted outside the proper time, without violating the designated limit. Seven-day medicine: judged according to efficacy and according to the Dharma, its limit is reached; following the day limit, it is used to treat with profound benefit. Lifetime medicine: since its potency is mild, long-term consumption is permitted, only through which the malady can be removed. Its forms are of three kinds: first, exhausting the form of the medicine; second, exhausting the form of the illness; third, exhausting the form of the karmic lifespan. The Vinayavibhāṣā states: Having a body, there will inevitably be illness; although it may abate slightly, it will certainly recur severely later; adding the verbal procedure, it may be received until the end of life. Regarding these four, they are explained in five sections: first, explaining the substance of the medicines; second, explaining the location of the pure ground; third, the differences in protecting purity; fourth, distinctions in the procedures of purification; fifth, the differences between the two modes of receipt.