觀無量壽佛經疏 2.38

2.38

Answer: 'The other precepts are slightly broader and their duration is long; he feared that in the interval he might lose mindfulness and wander in saṃsāra. As for the eight precepts, as explained in other Buddhist sūtras, they are the precepts of the monastic life upheld by householders. In upholding these precepts, the mind is extremely meticulous and extremely urgent. Why is that? The duration is rather brief, limited only to one day and one night, and upon performing the ritual they are relinquished. How is it known that the mental application and practice of these precepts are meticulous? As clearly revealed in the text of the precepts, it says: "Disciple of the Buddha, from this morning until tomorrow morning, for one day and one night, just as all Buddhas do not take life, are you able to uphold this?" The answer is: "I am able to uphold it." The second says: "Disciple of the Buddha, from this morning until tomorrow morning, for one day and one night, just as all Buddhas do not steal, do not engage in unchaste conduct, do not speak falsely, do not drink alcohol, must not apply rouge or powder to the body, must not sing, dance, perform, or go to watch and listen, and must not mount high, broad, and large beds—these above eight are precepts and not fasting. Must not eat past midday—this one is fasting and not a precept." All these precepts cite all the Buddhas as witness. Why? Only Buddha and Buddha have both active defilements and residual tendencies exhausted. Except for Buddhas, evil tendencies and the like still remain. Therefore, they are not cited as witness. From this, it is known that the mental application and arising of practice for these precepts are extremely meticulous and urgent. Moreover, regarding these precepts, the Buddha explained that there are eight kinds of superior qualities. If a person completely upholds them for one day and one night without violation, the merit obtained exceeds the realms of humans, devas, and the two vehicles. As broadly explained in the sūtras, because there is such benefit, it caused the father-king to receive them day after day.'