Confession 82

Origin Story

The Buddha was staying at Kosambī. At that time, Chandamātā was skilled at healing diseases. Taking medicines prepared from roots, leaves, and fruits, she entered the households of the king, high ministers, and householders. She treated women who were pregnant, had eye diseases, and were vomiting, and she administered inhalations for throat pain, nasal douches, and performed treatments with needles and knives. Then she took these medicines and applied them. Because she treated these illnesses, she received many offerings. The bhikkhunīs criticized her: “This one hasn’t gone forth in the dhamma, she’s just a doctor.”

The bhikkhunīs told Mahāpajāpatī, and for this reason, she went and informed the World-honored One. The Buddha said: “Summon that bhikkhunī.” When she came, he asked her: “Did you really do this?” She answered: “I really did this.” The Buddha said: “This is an unwholesome thing. From now on, it’s no longer allowed to earn a living as a doctor.” The Buddha told Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī: “Convene all the bhikkhunīs living in the vicinity of Kosambī. … Those who have already heard it should listen again:

Final Ruling

If a bhikkhunī earns a living as a doctor, it’s a pācittiya.”

Explanation

“A bhikkhunī” is as explained above. “Doctor” means treating illnesses with root, leaf, or fruit medicines. There are also some doctors who provide magical remedies based on poisons, snakes, … fire, and stellar, lunar, and solar constellations. If she earns a living from this like Chandamātā, it’s a pācittiya. “Pācittiya” is as explained above. A bhikkhunī may not earn a living as a doctor. If someone is sick, she may give instructions about the methods of treatment. If a bhikkhu earns a living as a doctor, he breaks a minor vinaya rule. This is what the World-honored One said.