大方便佛報恩經 6.109

6.109

[The Buddha] replied: "The Buddha originally instituted them as precepts for one day and one night; one must not exceed the limit. If one has the strength and is able to receive them for one day, after that has passed, one may successively receive them again. In this way, according to one's strength, whether much or little, one does not calculate the number of days. Now, the observance must be received from another person. From what kind of person is it received? It is received from one of the five assemblies. Once one has received the eight precepts, if one whips sentient beings, the observance is not pure. Even if one does not whip them on that day, if one waits until the next day to whip sentient beings, it is also not pure. In brief: if body and speech perform actions lacking decorum, although the observance is not broken, there is no purity. Even if body and speech are pure, if the mind gives rise to sensual thoughts, angry thoughts, or harmful thoughts, it is also called an impure observance. If the three karmas of body, speech, and mind are pure, but one does not cultivate the six recollections, it is also called an impure observance. Having received the eight precepts, assiduously cultivating the six recollections: this is called a pure observance. A sūtra states: 'Even if one were king of Jambudvīpa, having sovereignty over all the people, gold, silver, and precious treasures in Jambudvīpa—although there is such merit, divided into sixteen parts, the king of Jambudvīpa's merit does not equal one part out of the sixteen.' This refers to the utmost pure eightfold observance. If someone wishes to receive the eightfold observance, but first indulges in sensual lust, plays music, greedily gorges on meat, and engages in various sorts of frivolous amusements—having indulged his mind in such heedless acts and afterwards receiving the observance, regardless of whether it is before or after noon, he does not obtain the observance at all. If originally he had no mind to receive the observance and did various heedless things, but afterwards met a good friend and immediately received the observance, regardless of whether it is before or after noon, he obtains the observance completely. If one wishes to receive the observance, but due to difficult circumstances is hindered and not at liberty, and after the difficulties are resolved receives the observance, regardless of whether it is before or after noon, he obtains the observance completely."