Overview
The Buddha used a medical analogy to explain why the Dhamma must be taught universally, even though some people will never understand it. Just as a doctor treats all patients because he cannot be certain who will benefit, a teacher proclaims the Dhamma for the sake of the middle group.
The List
- One who will not recover: A patient who, whether they receive medicine, nursing, and proper food or not, will not recover from their illness. (Analogous to individuals so steeped in wrong view or heavy kamma that they cannot realize the Dhamma in this life).
- One who will recover anyway: A patient who, whether they receive medicine and nursing or not, will recover naturally. (Analogous to solitary Buddhas or supreme Bodhisattas who will awaken without a teacher).
- One who recovers only with treatment: A patient who will only recover if they receive medicine, nursing, and proper food; without it, they will die. (Analogous to the vast majority of capable beings who will attain liberation only if they hear the Dhamma from a Buddha or his disciples).
Textual References
- Canonical: Gilāna Sutta (AN 3.22) – The Buddha uses this exact analogy to justify why the Dhamma must be taught to the world.