Soon afterwards the monks from the group of six used luxurious nose droppers made with gold or silver. People complained and criticized them, “They’re just like householders who indulge in worldly pleasures!” They told the Buddha. “You shouldn’t use luxurious nose droppers. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct. I allow nose droppers made of bone, ivory, horn, reed, bamboo, wood, resin, fruit, metal, or shell.”

The nose dropper dripped unevenly. “I allow a double nose dropper.” He did not get better. “I allow you to inhale smoke.” They just lit the wick and inhaled the smoke. They burned their throat. “I allow a tube.” Soon the monks from the group of six used luxurious tubes made with gold or silver. People complained and criticized them, “They’re just like householders who indulge in worldly pleasures!” They told the Buddha. “You shouldn’t use luxurious tubes. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct. I allow tubes made of bone, ivory, horn, reed, bamboo, wood, resin, fruit, metal, or shell.” At that time the tubes were not covered. Insects crawled inside of them. “I allow a lid.” At that time the monks carried the tubes in their hands. “I allow a bag for the tubes.” The tubes scratched each other. “I allow a bag with two compartments.” They did not have a shoulder strap. “I allow a shoulder strap and a string for fastening it.”

Allowable medical treatments and moreAt one time Venerable Pilindavaccha had a certain disease. The doctors said he needed a heated concoction of oil. “I allow a heated concoction of oil.” They wanted to add alcohol to that concoction. “I allow alcohol in a heated concoction of oil.”