26. The five diseases At that time in Magadha, there were five common diseases: leprosy, abscesses, mild leprosy, tuberculosis, and epilepsy. When people were sick with any of these, they went to Jīvaka Komārabhacca and said, “Doctor, please treat us.” He replied, “I’m very busy. I look after King Seniya Bimbisāra of Magadha and his harem. I also look after the Sangha of monks headed by the Buddha. I’m not able to treat you.” “We’ll give you everything we own, and we’ll be your slave, too.