Lzh Mi Bu Vb Np 15The Five Tonics
Pāli / Sanskrit:Bhesajja
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Exposition of the Sutta on the Five Medicines (Bhesajja)
Background
The Sutta on the Five Medicines (Bhesajja Sutta) is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon - the collection of rules for practice and governance of the monastic community. The sutta arose from the Buddha's recognition that some bhikkhus were not properly cared for when ill, or that elderly monastics lacked essential support for health. Rather than leave practitioners without care, the Buddha instructed the monks and nuns on the use of five kinds of "medicines" (bhesajja) - or more precisely, five kinds of therapeutic substances - for the purpose of sustaining life and creating favorable conditions for practice.
In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, "medicine" here does not refer narrowly to physical drugs, but to factors that support the health of the practitioner as a whole, from the material to the mental.
Main Content
The five medicines designated by the Buddha are:
Ghee (ghṛta - clarified butter) is regarded as a nourishing substance that helps restore strength. It was a highly valued food in ancient Indian society and shows Buddhism's concern for bodily health.
Oil (taila) also has nourishing and medicinal effects, especially for ailments related to skin and joints.
Honey (madhu) is considered a precious healing substance, able to soothe toxicity, nourish, and help reduce fever.
Sugar (phāṇita) is a thick syrup made from sugarcane, quickly supplying energy to those who are weak.
Salt (lona) helps balance fluids and electrolytes and supports digestion.
The specific details regarding how to use them, the amount to consume, and the conditions under which they may be used are clearly prescribed in the Vinaya Piṭaka, in order to prevent monastics from abusing them or increasing craving for food. This is a subtle balance between respect for life and avoiding reliance on sensory indulgence.
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