Lzh Mu Bi Pm Pc 159Medical Treament Below the Navel
Pāli / Sanskrit:Pasākhejāta
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The Sutta on Medical Treatment Below the Navel (Pasākhejāta)
Background
The Pasākhejāta Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, in the Pātimokkha section. These are disciplinary rules for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs, established by the Buddha to protect purity and order in the Saṅgha. This sutta concerns the health care of practitioners when they are ill.
The background for the arising of this rule comes from practical need: sick bhikkhus required treatment, but the manner of treatment had to accord with the restrained lifestyle and faith of Buddhism. The Buddha permitted bhikkhus to seek reasonable medical methods, but set limits in order to avoid violating the aspirations of practice or harming the honor of the Saṅgha.
Main Content
The Pasākhejāta Sutta refers to medical treatments for illnesses related to the area below the navel (pasākhejāta), including regions such as the intestines, testicles, bladder, and sexual organs. These are morally and culturally sensitive areas in the Buddhist tradition, and so treatment must be carried out respectfully.
The Buddha permitted bhikkhus to undergo necessary treatments, including methods that may involve touching or handling these parts of the body, provided that the purpose is legitimate healing. However, this sutta also prescribes that practitioners must maintain respect and caution throughout the treatment. The healer, usually a physician or person with medical expertise, must act with sincere intention for the well-being of the patient, not from lust or impure motives.
This rule also implies that bhikkhus must choose trustworthy and ethical healers. Medical treatment is not a reason to violate chastity or to associate with unsuitable persons. Specific details about methods of treatment were left to the medicine of that time to determine, but the ethical principle always remains foremost.
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