Shikshasamuccaya 292

292

In the noble Kṣitigarbhasūtra it is also said: "Mahābrahman, whoever goes forth on my account, even if he is a monk of bad ethical discipline and wicked conduct, disgraced, foul-natured, not an ascetic though claiming to be an ascetic, not a celibate though claiming to be a celibate, ruined, fallen, and defeated by manifold afflictions—yet nevertheless, even today that monk of bad ethical discipline and wicked conduct is a revealer of the treasures of merit and a virtuous friend for all the gods up to all humans. Even though he has become unworthy, nevertheless, through the cause of being seen with his shaven head and face, wearing the saffron robe, and in the monastic deportment, he brings support for manifold roots of wholesome virtue for many beings and shows the path to happy destinies. Therefore, towards one who has gone forth on my account, whether of good ethical discipline or bad ethical discipline, I do not permit even a universal monarch to issue an order to strike his body with a stick even according to law, or to throw him into prison, or to mutilate him limb by limb, or to deprive him of life—how much less contrary to law!