四分律刪繁補闕行事鈔 2.40

2.40

Fifth, superiority and inferiority. By establishing this section, knowing that the precepts are the supreme condition and essential to entering the path, one can then uphold and maintain them without losing their characteristics. The Vibhāṣā says: Prātimokṣa precepts exist when the Buddha is in the world, and because they rarely appear, they are superior; dhyāna and taintless precepts exist at all times. Second, the contaminated prātimokṣa encompasses both sentient and insentient, and because it is broad, it is said to be superior; the other two are restricted to sentient beings, and because they are narrow, they are inferior. Third, the contaminated prātimokṣa is superior because it arises from a mind of compassion, and it is capable of serving as the cause for the Buddha path. Fourth, prātimokṣa precepts reach the seven assemblies, perpetuate the three vehicles, the three jewels, and the three paths, and their power to maintain [the Dharma] is strong; the other two lack this capability, and therefore are inferior. Fifth, prātimokṣa precepts are held only by the Buddha's disciples; the other dhyāna precepts are held by tīrthikas as well. The Sudarśana-vinayavibhāṣā says: Complete prātimokṣa, among all lights, all mountains, and all trainings, is like sunlight, Sumeru, and the prātimokṣa among trainings—it is considered the most superior; were it not for the Buddha's appearance in the world, no one would establish this teaching.