Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
by T. W. Rhys Davids | 1881 | 156,382 words
The Mahavagga (part of the Vinaya collection) includes accounts of Gautama Buddha’s and the ten principal disciples’ awakenings, as well as rules for ordination, rules for reciting the Patimokkha during uposatha days, and various monastic procedures....
Mahavagga, Khandaka 8, Chapter 17
1. Now at that time the venerable Belaṭṭhasīsa, the superior of the venerable Ānanda, had a disease of thick scabs; and by reason of the discharge thereof his robes stuck to his body. The Bhikkhus moistened those robes with water, and loosened them (from his body).
The Blessed One, as he was going on his rounds through the sleeping-places, saw them [doing so], and going up to the place where they were, he asked them:
'What is the matter, O Bhikkhus, with this Bhikkhu?'
'The venerable one has the disease of thick scabs; and by reason of the discharge thereof his robes stick to his body. So we are moistening those robes thoroughly with water, to loosen them (from his body).'
2. Then the Blessed One on that occasion, after having delivered a religious discourse, addressed the Bhikkhus, and said:
'I allow, O Bhikkhus, to whomsoever has the itch, or boils, or a discharge, or scabs, the use of an itch-cloth[2].'
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
This introductory story is also given as the introduction to Mahāvagga VI, 9.
[2]:
According to the 90th Pācittiya such a cloth must not be more than four spans in length, and two in breadth.