On one occasion, while visiting a monastery, the Compassionate One entered a chamber where lay a Bhikkhu in great agony, suffering from a loathsome disease. And although there were many bhikkhus present at the monastery, not one concerned himself about the sick brother. The Buddha beholding his woeful condition, at once began to minister to him. He called Ananda and together they bathed the sufferer and eased his pain. Then they lifted him from his unclean bed and placed him upon a comfortable resting place.
Thereupon He admonished the monks at the monastery for their neglect, He enjoined them hereafter to nurse the sick and suffering.
“Whosoever serves the sick and suffering, serves me”
He concluded by saying.
