四分律刪繁補闕行事鈔 1.42

1.42

First, dividing them by prohibitory versus natural: natural evil pertains to both conversion and regulation, while prohibitory precepts arise directly upon a fault. That being so, the text of natural precepts is lenient while the meaning is strict; that is, along with each heavy precept, there are texts of allowance; though the text is an allowance, the allowance actually incurs an offense; even if one accomplishes observance, observing them is truly difficult. For instance, with sexual misconduct there must be no pleasure during the three periods; with slander, there must be compassionate rescue from beginning to end; since these are fundamental greed and anger, how could one restrain the mind without straying? Thus we know the meaning lies in urgent protection! Prohibitory precepts are initially prohibited, yet where there is benefit, an allowance is made; when faults arise from the allowance, they are made subject to prohibition again; is this not to preserve the conversion of the laity, fearing that they might fall into a pit of injustice? When the Great Compassionate One set forth the teaching, his intent was solely to check errors; therefore the Vinayamātṛkā fully establishes the two modes of leniency and strictness, causing one to search through them to gain a comprehensive view!