Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Np 18The Five Tonics
Pāli / Sanskrit:Bhesajja
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Discourse on the Five Medicines (Bhesajja)
Background
The Bhesajja Discourse (Five Medicines) is recorded in the Vinaya Pitaka of the Theravada tradition, especially concerning the regulations of daily life and medicine for the monastic community. It is part of the Vinaya Pitaka, the collection of precepts and rules of living for bhikkhus.
The historical background of this discourse arises from practical need: in the monastic community, the treatment of illness was an important matter. The Buddha allowed bhikkhus to use medicine for healing, but with specific regulations to avoid falling into attachment to material things or creating improper private benefit. The five medicines listed in this discourse represent common and lawful medicinal means that bhikkhus and bhikkhunis may use without violating discipline.
The Bhesajja Discourse reflects the balance between care for the body (upakara) and maintenance of the spirit of practice. The Buddha did not condemn the need for treatment, but instead provided a clear framework so practitioners could handle bodily health without being distracted from the path of awakening.
Main Content
The five medicines (panca bhesajja) are prescribed as medicinal substances permitted for use in the monastic community. According to Vinaya records, these include:
First, ghee, clarified animal fat widely used in ancient Indian medicine, used for application or drinking for therapeutic purposes.
Second, oil, resinous oil from plants, regarded as a versatile substance for both external and internal treatment.
Third, honey (madhu), which has both nutritional value and healing properties in ancient remedies.
Fourth, sugar (khanda) or other sweet substances, which help balance other compounds in medicines.
Fifth, salt (namak), used for preservation and having certain medicinal applications.
These are not regarded as “luxury foods” but as medicinal means recognized for maintaining health.
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