Lzh Mu Bu Vb Np 30The Five Tonics
Pāli / Sanskrit:Bhesajja
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THE SUTTA ON THE FIVE FRESH TONICS (Bhesajja)
Background
The Sutta on the Five Tonics is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha. This is one of the regulations concerning medicine in the monastic community of Theravāda Buddhism, reflecting the Buddha’s concern for the physical health of his disciples in training.
In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, these regulations were given to ensure that monks and nuns could maintain good health in the course of practice. Theravāda Buddhism does not regard the body as something hateful or to be completely neglected, but as a necessary instrument for practicing the Dharma. Therefore, reasonable medical care is regarded as part of ethical conduct (sīla).
Main Content
The five fresh tonics (bhesajja) designated by the Buddha are: (1) ghee, (2) oil, (3) honey, (4) sugar, and (5) fish or meat. These “medicines” are regarded as necessary nutrients that monks and nuns may use when needed to maintain health or recover from illness.
This regulation is important because it permits practitioners to accept these things as “medicine” (bhesajja), not as “ordinary food” (bhojana). This distinction is very subtle: in the Vinaya, there are restrictions on eating times, such as not eating after noon, and on certain kinds of food. However, when these items are regarded as “medicine,” monks and nuns may use them for nourishment, provided the motive is not craving for taste or sensual pleasure.
The condition for using these “fresh medicines” is that there must be a valid medical reason. They cannot be used at any time whatsoever; they serve the purpose of curing illness, maintaining health, or recovering after sickness. This principle expresses a balance between spiritual practice and reasonable care of the body.
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