法苑珠林 93.25

93.25

Furthermore, the *Śāriputraparipṛcchā-sūtra* states: "Śāriputra addressed the Buddha, saying: 'How is it, World-Honoured One, that you taught the Dharma obstructing the path: one must not drink liquor even the size of a mustard seed, for this is called breaking the precept and opening the gate to heedlessness; yet why is it that in the Kalandaka Bamboo Grove monastery there was a bhikṣu who had been ill for years, critically ill and near death? At that time, Upāli asked him: "What medicine do you need? I will search for it for you in heaven, among humans, and even throughout the ten directions; whatever is necessary, I will obtain it for you." He replied: "The medicine I need violates the Vinaya; therefore I have not sought it, reaching this point. I would rather end my life than have any violation of the Vinaya." Upāli said: "What is your medicine?" He replied: "I need five pints of liquor." Upāli said: "If it is permitted for illness, it is allowed by the Tathāgata." He begged and obtained the liquor for him. Having taken it, his illness cleared and was cured. Having been cured, he felt ashamed, still thinking he had violated the Vinaya. He went to the Buddha's dwelling and earnestly repented his fault. The Buddha preached the Dharma for him; upon hearing it, he rejoiced and attained the state of an arhat. The Buddha said: "Liquor has many faults and opens the gate to heedlessness. Drinking even the size of a mustard seed accumulates guilt. But if it cures the suffering of illness, it was not previously prohibited."'"