四分律刪繁補闕行事鈔 2.34

2.34

There are roughly four divisions: first, the precept rule, which in substance permeates the path of liberation; second, the precept essence, which refers to the root that generates the multitude of practices; third, the precept practice, which refers to cultivation accomplished through expedients in accord with the originally received essence; fourth, the precept features, which are what this chapter clarifies, extending through all classes and categories of offenses.