Confession 83

Origin Story

The Buddha was staying at Kosambī. At that time, the World-honored One had laid down a precept that it’s not allowed to earn a living as a doctor. There were people who summoned Chandamātā to treat illnesses. The bhikkhunī said: “The World-honored One has laid down a precept that it’s not allowed.” They replied: “If it’s not allowed, then teach us medicinal treatments.” She then taught lay people and non-Buddhist renunciates medicinal treatments. The bhikkhunīs said: “She just teaches medicinal treatments, she hasn’t gone forth in the dhamma.”

The bhikkhunīs told Mahāpajāpatī, and she fully informed the World-honored One of this matter. 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: “From now on, it’s no longer allowed to teach lay people and non-Buddhist renunciates medicinal treatments.” 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 teaches lay people and non-Buddhist renunciates medicinal treatments, it’s a pācittiya.”

Explanation

“A bhikkhunī” is as explained above. “Lay people” means householders. “Non-Buddhist renunciates” means those gone forth in another religion. “Teaching medicinal treatments” means magical remedies based on snakes, poisons, … fire, and stellar, lunar, and solar constellations. This is a pācittiya. “Pācittiya” is as explained above. A bhikkhunī may not teach lay people and non-Buddhist renunciates medicinal treatments. She may not instruct. If a bhikkhu teaches lay people and non-Buddhist renunciates medicinal treatments, he breaks a minor vinaya rule. This is what the World-honored One said.