Lzh Dg Bu Pm 2 Np 26The Five Tonics
Pāli / Sanskrit:Bhesajja
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
THE SCRIPTURE OF THE FIVE KINDS OF MEDICINE (Bhesajja)
Background
The Scripture of the Five Kinds of Medicine is found in the Vinaya Pitaka, specifically within the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha, in the section on the Undetermined Cases (Aniyata). This is a portion of the Vinaya that the Buddha established for the community of bhikkhunīs, in order to regulate matters pertaining to bodily health and the well-being of female monastics.
The context in which this scripture arose records specific events within the monastic community. When bhikkhunīs fell ill or became weakened in health, the Buddha recognized that it was necessary to permit them to make use of certain foods or medicines in order to support their recovery. This reflects the humane and compassionate principle of the Buddhadharma: between upholding the rules and caring for the health of those in training, the Buddha skillfully found a balanced path.
Main Content
The five kinds of medicine (pañca-bhesajja) that the Buddha permitted bhikkhunīs to use when the body is weakened are:
First: Ghee (clarified butter) — a pure fat extracted from milk, warm in nature and nourishing, which helps restore strength.
Second: Oil — oil derived from various seeds, capable of softening the body and supporting circulation.
Third: Honey — a precious medicinal substance, warm in nature, which helps increase energy and uplift the spirit.
Fourth: Molasses — provides a quick source of energy, supporting the body when it is exhausted.
Fifth: Fish — a precious source of protein, helping to rebuild deteriorated muscle tissue.
These medicines are permitted under clearly defined conditions: only when the body is ill or weakened, and with the attestation of fellow monastics of the same monastery. This is the way in which the Buddha protected the spirit of practice — so as not to give rise to greed for pleasant things — while at the same time caring for the lives of those in training.
🌏 The Buddhist canon is vast — some sūtras (such as comparative Vinaya across schools, or untranslated Tibetan-canon texts) have to this day NEVER been translated into Vietnamese or English by anyone, scholars included. Rather than leave it blank, Inti AI offers a FAITHFUL summary grounded in the tradition — from the sūtra's title, origin and essence — so you can still reach this rare part of the treasury. Whenever an original translation exists, the app shows the original first.
Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.