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## Nineteenth Uddeshak]
[405
5. Each monk's minimum, medium, and maximum dosage of specific medicines like opium, etc. (natural digestive capacity) varies, therefore they should not consume more than that. Or they should not consume more than three doses in a day. Because many medicines, when taken in excess, cause intoxication or other harm. Therefore, this sutra advises caution regarding the dosage of medicine.
Elsewhere in the Agamas, the word "datti" is used in the sense of "one unbroken stream." But here, in the context of medicine, it is appropriate to use "dosage of medicine." Because the quantity of medicine is measured in tola, masha, ratti, etc., but not in "one stream" or one rib, etc. Even today, the quantity of specific medicine is mentioned in "grams" or the quantity of liquid medicine is mentioned in terms of a lid or a drop.
Although it is necessary to pay attention to the quantity in every medicine, it is more important to pay attention to the quantity in opium or other chemical medicines.
The atonement provision in this sutra for consuming more than three doses should be understood in relation to opium, amber, etc., intoxicating substances or gold bhasma, etc., chemicals. If consumed in excess, it may raise doubts about the monk in the mind of the giver or other observers. Excessive consumption can also lead to suicide by a monk, therefore such substances should not be brought in excess.
6. The previous sutra mentions three doses, which can be taken over three days, one dose each day. By then, the disease that has arisen is usually calmed.
Just as a monk in a vihara cannot carry food and water after two kos, similarly, he cannot carry medicine from village to village. If necessary, the monk can stop at a place and take medicine. Carrying medicine along in the vihara leads to an increase in many faults, increases the tendency to accumulate wealth, and there is also fear of the state or thieves. Due to these reasons, the atonement for carrying medicine along in the vihara is mentioned in this sutra.
7. Soaking any medicine in water, melting it, grinding it in a mortar, and other crushing and grinding activities increase negligence, cause harm to sanpatim, etc., living beings, and lead to various types of suffering. Therefore, monks should not perform these actions. It is appropriate to use medicine that is readily available. Performing other actions also leads to a loss of time for study, etc. Even if a householder performs these activities and gives medicine to a monk, these faults should be understood. For these reasons, atonement is mentioned in this sutra.
8. The monk who wants to perform the evening meditation, performs it or is performing it. That is - 1. In the early evening, 2. In the late evening, 3. In the twilight, 4. In the night.