釋氏要覽 2.139

2.139

The Dharmaguptaka Vinaya says: 'Bathing frequently is permitted because it gives rise to worldly goodness.' The Vinayamātṛkā says: 'Bathing is only for removing wind-cold diseases from the body, so that one may practice the Way in peace and stability. It has five benefits: first, removing dirt; second, treating the skin to make it of a uniform complexion; third, dispelling cold and heat; fourth, lowering wind-humours; and fifth, reducing illness and pain.' The Warm Room Sūtra: The Buddha explained to the King of Physicians Jīvaka (translated into Chinese as Firm Life) that bathing the Saṅgha requires seven items: first, lighting a fire; second, clean water; third, bath powder; fourth, ghee or oil; fifth, pure ash; sixth, tooth-sticks; seventh, undergarments. It removes seven sicknesses: first, the four great elements become peaceful; second, it eliminates wind; third, it eliminates dampness-bi syndrome; fourth, it eliminates freezing cold; fifth, it eliminates heat vapour; sixth, it eliminates dirt and foulness; seventh, the body becomes light and agile, and the eyes clear and pure. It gains seven blessings: first, the four great elements remain free from disease, and one is always peaceful wherever born; second, one is born pure, with a handsome and dignified countenance; third, one's body is always fragrant and one's clothes clean; fourth, one's skin and flesh are moist and lustrous, with great majestic radiance and virtue; fifth, many people attend to brushing away dust and dirt; sixth, one's mouth and teeth are fragrant and fine, and what one speaks is respected and heeded; seventh, clothing appears naturally wherever one is born. The Vinaya says: 'Whenever a monk enters the bathhouse, he should be focused and speak in a low voice, maintain proper deportment well, and restrain all sense faculties.'