大毘盧遮那成佛經疏 2.21

2.21

The sūtra says: "Master of Mysteries! The class of childish ordinary beings is like a ram; sometimes a notion of a single practice arises, namely, observing the fast. Reflecting on this small portion, they give rise to joy and practice it repeatedly. Master of Mysteries! This is the arising of the initial seed of wholesome karma." A ram has the basest nature among animals, thinking only of water, grass, and sexual desires, knowing nothing else; thus, following Western linguistic convention, it is used as a metaphor for childish ordinary beings who do not understand wholesome and unwholesome cause and effect. In the world, from long ago, the name of wholesome dharma has been passed down through succession; however, seeking it through various ways with a mind that contradicts principle, they were unable to attain it. Later, suddenly a thought naturally arises: "I will now moderate my food and observe the fast." This is indeed a wholesome dharma, though it is not yet the eight precepts of the Buddhadharma. By moderating food and restraining themselves, they perceive that external duties are reduced, allowing their food and drink to be easily sufficient, without generating the exhaustion of running about in pursuit; at that time, they generate a small degree of non-attachment, their mind rejoices, and they find peace. Seeing this benefit, they practice it repeatedly; this is the very first subtle awareness of wholesome and unwholesome cause and effect, and therefore it is called the "seed mind."