Bu Np 2323. Storing the five tonics too long
Pāli / Sanskrit:Bhesajja
A monk who keeps tonics for more than seven days must relinquish them and confess the offense.
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Explanatory Commentary on Bu Np 23: On Storing the Five Tonics Beyond the Time Limit
Background
The Vinaya Piṭaka is the collection of training rules set forth by the Blessed One Gotama to preserve harmony within the Sangha, as well as to cultivate the mind and conduct. Bu Np 23 belongs to the Bhikkhu Pātimokkha — the list of offenses that bhikkhus are bound to observe. "Np" here is an abbreviation of "Nissaggiya Pācittiya," referring to offenses that require forfeiture of the object of transgression and confession (pācittiya).
This context concerns the rule regarding tonics (bhesajja). In the time of the Buddha, bhikkhus were permitted to make use of tonics for the treatment of illness, but were not allowed to store them for too long, as doing so could give rise to acquisitiveness and erode the spirit of austere practice. The five principal tonics are: ghee (sappī), oil (taila), honey (madhu), sugar (sakkhara), and salt (loṇa).
Main Content
According to the text, a bhikkhu is not permitted to store the five tonics for more than seven days. If he continues to keep them beyond this limit, he commits a Nissaggiya Pācittiya offense. What is the significance of this rule?
First, tonics are regarded as a form of property, and storing them for too long causes the bhikkhu's mind to become bound to possession, thereby weakening the spirit of non-clinging rooted in non-self (anattā). In particular, oil, ghee, and honey are items of considerable value; keeping them for an extended period can give rise to a mind of greed.
Second, these tonics may spoil after seven days, lose their efficacy, or become wasteful. The Vinaya therefore encourages bhikkhus to make timely and beneficial use of tonics, and not to fall into unnecessary hoarding.
Third, this rule reflects the spirit of Theravāda Buddhism: the Sangha lives simply, free from greed for material possessions. Bhikkhus receive tonics only when there is a genuine need for treatment, and once used or upon expiration, they must be relinquished or given to others.
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