四分律刪繁補闕行事鈔 1.425

1.425

The second section clarifies relinquishing the precepts. The Dharmaguptaka Vinaya states: 'If one does not delight in the brahma-practice, he is permitted to relinquish the precepts and return home. If he again wishes to cultivate pure practice in the Buddha-dharma, he is again permitted to leave home and receive the great precepts.' The Ekottarika-āgama permits relinquishing the precepts seven times; exceeding this is contrary to the Dharma. According to the Daśādhyāya-vinaya and the Saṃghabhedavastu, a nun who relinquishes the precepts may not receive upasampadā again. Question: 'If she cannot leave home again, why allow her to relinquish them?' Answer: 'First, so that it does not constitute a pārājika; second, so that her coming and going are unhindered. The principle of establishment for bhikṣus is strong, so seven times are permitted; for nuns there is one principle, allowing them to remain in lay life without fault and not generate the fault of ridicule and ugliness.' This is detailed in that Vinaya section (according to the principle, she should be able to become one of the lower two assemblies).