四分律刪繁補闕行事鈔 1.291

1.291

Now, explaining the method of demarcation, divided into three parts: First, regarding the sequence of circumstances: The Pañcavargika-vinaya states: One should first demarcate the ordination platform, and afterwards demarcate the great boundary. If one first demarcates the great boundary, one should relinquish it, demarcate [the ordination platform] first, and then proclaim the marks and demarcate the great boundary. The Vinayamātṛkā and Samantapāsādikā also share this explanation. Nowadays there are still people who first demarcate the great boundary; this is because they do not read the sacred teachings and merely trust their own opinions. Question: If one first demarcates the great boundary, is the ordination platform validly established or not? Answer: What the Pañcavargika-vinaya explains is that one should relinquish it and demarcate it anew; hence we know it is validly established. However, because the subsequent karman is not validly established, it must be dissolved. The Five Hundred Questions states: If one demarcates the ordination platform afterwards, receiving ordination within it will, it is feared, yield nothing. It also states: Being unaware is the same as before the prohibition was instituted. Relying on this avenue allows for an excuse. Nowadays, many who perform demarcations do so illicitly. Some take five or six people straight into the ordination platform, do not assemble within the boundary, proclaim all three sets of marks together, and fully apply both kinds of karman. Some proclaim all three sets of marks universally within the boundary, and apply the karman according to the boundary. Some demarcate from afar within the great boundary. Some, having first demarcated the ordination platform, proclaim only the outer marks of the great boundary without proclaiming the inner marks, and apply the karman. None of these haphazard demarcations are validly established. Therefore, one must proclaim each and demarcate each in its appropriate boundary; only then will it be accomplished.