Abstract:
Vinaya is the lifeblood of the Buddhasāsana. It brings about the discipline of any
person who enters the Buddhasāsana. The progress of any society depends on the
customs and values of that society. It is on the basis of these disciplinary rules that
the clergy, separated from the laity, is formed. Mainly, in terms of discipline, the
clergy is more prominent than the laity. It can be explained from the Buddha’s
sermons that he wanted to create a Bhikkhu Society that would show the direction
towards which the laity could lead. Monkhood is a privilege that leads many to the
right path. It is a social role on the one hand and a spiritual factor on the other.
Although these disciplines are fundamental facts affecting a person’s mental
development, they are also relevant to a person’s physical well-being. Treatments
for physical ailments would not have been recommended if Buddhism is limited to
a supernatural purpose. Buddhism theorises that physical health contributes to
mental health. Therefore, Buddhism contains numerous medications, policies,
miner-remedies and treatments that are essential for physical health. Disciplinary
rules include matters relating to the maintenance of good health, but very few
penalties are recommended for violating them. It is called “Dukkaṭāpatti” (offences
of Desanāgāmini). However, the promulgation of disciplinary rules on health shows
the importance of being mindful of those factors. Lack of health, ignorance, and
inattention can be pointed out as deficiencies in personal discipline, and the healthy
adherence to health-related facts is a superior personality trait. Accordingly, the
main objective of this research is to study the methods used to uplift the physical
health and hygiene of a person, included in the Vinayapiṭaka. There, more attention
is paid to Bhesajjakkhandhaka. This study also investigates whether any penalties
had been imposed for violating the disciplinary rules; if any, what the penalties
relating to health matters are.
