Mahavagga - Sixth Khandhaka: Chapter 12

1. Now at that time the Bhikkhus used to put pulverised ointments into pots and
saucers. They became sprinkled over with herb-powders and dust.
They told this thing to the Blessed One.
'I allow, O Bhikkhus, the use of a box for ointment.'
Now at that time the Khabbaggiya Bhikkhus used to carry about various kinds of
boxes for ointments--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 boxes for ointments, gold ones. and silver ones, are not, O
Bhikkhus, to be used. Whosoever does so, is guilty of a dukkata offence. I
allow, O Bhikkhus, the use of such boxes made of bone, or ivory, or horn, or of
the nala reed, or of bambu, or of wood, or of lac, or of the shells of fruit, or
of bronze, or of the centre of the chank-shell 5.'
p. 52
2. Now at that time the boxes of ointment had no lid. (The ointment) was
sprinkled over with herb-powders and dust.
They told this thing to the Blessed One.
'I allow, O Bhikkhus, the use of a lid.'
The lids used to fall off.
'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 1.'
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 chank-shell.'
p. 53
4. Now at that time the ointment-sticks used to fall on the ground and become
rough.
They told this thing to the Blessed One.
'I allow, O Bhikkhus, the use of a case for the ointment-sticks 1.'
Now at that time the Bhikkhus used to carry the ointment-boxes and
ointment-sticks about in their hands.
They told this thing to the Blessed One.
'I allow, O Bhikkhus, the use of a bag to put the ointment-box in.'
They had no shoulder strap.
'I allow, O Bhikkhus, the use of a shoulder strap (by which to carry the
ointment-box), or of a thread (by which to sew or tie it on).'



Footnotes
51:5 Saṅkha-nâbhi, the meaning of the latter part of which compound is not quite
clear.
52:1 Buddhaghosa has no comment on this. It may mean that the ointment boxes
might be sewn either on to some place in the Vihâra, or on to some part of the
Bhikkhu's dress. The latter is more in accordance with § 4 below.
53:1 Salâkodhâniyan ti yattha salâkam odahanti susiradantakam vâ thâlikam vâ
anuganâmî ’ti attho (B.).