Early Monastic Buddhism v1.c19.s7.1

v1.c19.s7.1

Like the previous two nissayas, *pūtimuttabhesajjam* (urine and such other medicines) was the original rule, but later on sappi (butter), navanīta (cream), tela (oil), madhu (honey), phāṇita (molasses) were allowed to be taken but only in the forenoon. Later on, however, the time was not only extended, but permission was also given for storing the same upto seven days² in supersession of the rule that no food should be stored. In course of time these were found inadequate to keep the bhikkhus free from ailments, so permission was given for using as medicines animal fats, medicinal roots, herbs, leaves, fruits, gums, salts, and such other drugs prescribed in the *Āyurveda-śāstra*, including even raw meat and blood, besides gruels and broths. Use of hot baths, purgatives, ointments, and dressing of wounds were recommended in cases of necessity. Receptacles, instruments, and other articles required for preparing medicines or applying ointments, letting of blood by lancets, use of surgical appliances and requisities, were sanctioned as a matter of course. Surgical operation was prohibited only in cases of wounds which were within two inches of the anus. The monks, in fact, were allowed to take almost all medicinal and surgical aids available at the time, the only condition being that they in the name of medicines must not drift to excesses or enjoy the comforts of a householder.