________________
VI, 5, I.
'I allow you, O Bhikkhus, the use of a grindstone, and of another stone to grind upon 1.'
ON MEDICAMENTS.
NIV
45
4.
I. Now at that time the Bhikkhus who were sick had need of astringent decoctions as medicine. They told this thing to the Blessed One.
'I allow you, O Bhikkhus, the use of astringent decoctions as medicine-the nimba, the kutaga 3, the pakkava, the nattamâla", and whatsoever other astringent roots are used for medicine, which impart an appetising flavour to foods, either hard or soft, which the sick Bhikkhus could not otherwise eat. They may be received, and stored up your life long; and, if there be necessity, they may be eaten. If eaten without necessity, (the Bhikkhu who uses them) is guilty of a dukkata offence.'
5.
I. Now at that time the Bhikkhus who were sick had need of leaves as medicine.
They told this thing to the Blessed One.
'I allow you, O Bhikkhus, the use of leaves as
1 Compare the Sanskrit root puth. Buddhaghosa says: Pisanasilâ ka pisana-poto ka. Pestle and mortar is in Pâli udukkhalam musalan ka: see below, VI, 9, 2.
* Azadirachta Indica. Compare Mahâvagga III, 12, 5. Wrightia anti-dysenterica. Wise, p. 142, gives the botanical name as Echites anti-dysenterica, and says it is an emetic.
A kind of creeper, says Buddhaghosa.
• Pongania Glabra (the same as Karanga, says Buddhaghosa).
Digitized by Google
