維摩經略疏 1.98

1.98

Fourth, explaining "assembly" (saṃgha): the Sanskrit is saṃgha, translated here as "assembly". A single monk is not called an assembly; many gathering together is called an assembly. The Vinaya clarifies that four or more persons are all called an assembly, just as many trees gathering together are called a forest. The Dàzhìdù lùn says: "There are four kinds of saṃgha: first, the foolish saṃgha, which refers to the saṃgha that breaks precepts and is negligent. Second, the dumb sheep saṃgha: although they observe the prohibitive precepts, they cannot distinguish the characteristics of the three trainings, what is permitted or prohibited, open or blocked; when asked to resolve doubts, they remain silent with no answer, just like dumb sheep. Third, the conscientious saṃgha: if home-leavers cultivate precepts, samādhi, and wisdom, and can also distinguish and resolve doubts for others, but have not yet manifested the true, dwelling among internal and external ordinary beings, they feel ashamed of not yet accomplishing the noble Dharma and mistakenly falling into the number of the saṃgha; they serve reverently with the four requisites, constantly ashamed and reproaching themselves; they are also called the phenomenally harmonious saṃgha. Fourth, the true saṃgha: from the stage of suffering-patience onward, the noble ones of the four fruits are all called the true, principally harmonious saṃgha." Although the former two kinds have the name of saṃgha, since they lack phenomenal harmony, they are unfit for saṃgha affairs; the latter two kinds are fit to carry out saṃgha affairs.