諸經要集 17.26

17.26

Furthermore, the Śāriputraparipṛcchā-sūtra says: Śāriputra addressed the Buddha, saying: “How is it, Bhagavat, that you taught the dharmas that obstruct the Path, saying that one must not drink liquor even the size of a mustard seed, for this is called breaking the precepts and opening the gateway to heedlessness? Why then was there a bhikṣu in the Kalandaka Bamboo Grove Monastery who had been sick for years and was critically ill, on the verge of death? At that time, Upāli asked him: ‘What medicine do you need? I will seek it for you in heaven and among humans, even in the ten directions; whatever should be used, I will obtain it all for you.’ He answered: ‘The medicine I need goes against the Vinaya, therefore I have not sought it, leading to this state. I would rather end my life than have any violation of the Vinaya.’ Upāli said: ‘What is your medicine?’ He answered: ‘The physician said five sheng of liquor are needed.’ Upāli said: ‘If it is permitted for illness, it is allowed by the Tathāgata.’ He begged for and obtained the liquor for him. After taking it, his illness subsided and was cured. Once cured, he felt ashamed, still thinking he had violated the Vinaya. He went to the Buddha's presence and earnestly repented his fault. The Buddha preached the Dharma for him; having heard it, he rejoiced and attained the way of the arhat. The Buddha said: ‘Liquor has many faults and opens the gateway to heedlessness. Drinking even as much as a mustard seed accumulates guilt; yet if it dispels painful illness, it is not what was previously prohibited.’”