San Sarv Bu Pm Tf 11 Np 30The Five Tonics

The Five Medicines Sutta (Bhesajja Sutta)

Background

The Five Medicines Sutta (Bhesajja) belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically to the Nisaggiya Pācittiya section, offenses requiring forfeiture and confession. This is one of the legal precedents established by the Buddha concerning the use of medicines and the diet of bhikkhus.

The context arose when bhikkhus in the Sangha community became ill and needed treatment. Rather than relying entirely on available materials, some bhikkhus wished to use nourishing foods to restore their health. The Buddha, with immeasurable wisdom, recognized that the use of medicine and wholesome foods for health is legitimate, but that it needed to be carefully regulated in order to avoid greed and violation of the spirit of ascetic discipline.

Main Content

The five medicines (pañca bhesajja) that the Buddha permitted bhikkhus to use when ill are: ghee, butter, oil, honey, and molasses. These foods are considered to have a “building” quality for the body, helping to restore the energy and vitality of one who is sick.

However, the Buddha established specific regulations: these medicines are to be used only for the time necessary to treat illness, and bhikkhus must observe certain conditions. Specifically, a bhikkhu may not hide these medicines away for later use, except in special cases that are permitted, may not store them for too long, and must use them moderately, without excess.

These rules reflect a balance between caring for the body (aniccatā, the impermanence of the body) and the spirit of ascetic discipline. This is the middle point between rigorous discipline and essential human needs. The Buddha taught that care for the body must be undertaken not out of sensual desire, but out of responsibility for health so that one may continue on the path of practice.