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MAHAVAGGA.
2. Now at that time the boxes of ointment had no lid. (The ointment) was sprinkled over with herb-powders and dust.
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They told this thing to the Blessed One.
'I allow, O Bhikkhus, the use of a lid.' The lids used to fall off.
VI, 12, 2.
'I allow you, O Bhikkhus, to fasten the lid with thread, and to tie it on to the box.'
The boxes used to fall.
'I allow you, O Bhikkhus, to sew the boxes on with thread'.'
3. Now at that time the Bhikkhus used to rub the ointment on with their fingers: and the eyes were hurt.
They told this thing to the Blessed One.
'I allow, O Bhikkhus, the use of a stick or holder to put the ointment on with.'
Now at that time the Khabbaggiya Bhikkhus used to keep various kinds of ointment-sticks-gold ones, and silver ones. People were annoyed, murmured, and became angry, saying, 'Like those who still live in the world.'
They told this thing to the Blessed One.
'Various kinds of ointment-holders, O Bhikkhus, are not to be used. Whosoever does so, is guilty of a dukkata offence. I allow, O Bhikkhus, the use of ointment-holders of bone, or of ivory, or of horn, or of the nala reed, or of bambu, or of wood, or of lac, or of fruit, or of bronze, or of the chankshell.'
1
Buddhaghosa has no comment on this. It may mean that the ointment boxes might be sewn either on to some place in the Vihara, or on to some part of the Bhikkhu's dress. The latter is more in accordance with § 4 below.
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