四分律刪繁補闕行事鈔 2.416

2.416

The reason why there is only one proposition of the superior grade in the previous nine propositions is that, because the matter and rule were both clearly understood, one cannot speak of an offense. The reason why each of the later nine propositions is divided into three grades is that they all arise from a single matter, admitting both doubt and ignorance. Because establishing the offenses is easy to clarify, they are divided into two sets of nine propositions. If one discusses the object of the offense, the lower two mental states—doubt and ignorance—total twelve offenses, all of which constitute final offenses. Because the offense is learnable, it is because of not studying that one does not know it. Therefore the text states: 'One does not obtain release on account of ignorance; if one commits an offense, it is dealt with according to the Dharma, and the rule of ignorance is added.' Ignorance and doubt are both final [offenses]. If one has neither doubt nor [ignorance]—that is, knowing—there is purely no offense, and no [evil] result toward which one tends. The previous statement of 'no offense' meant that there is no [offense of] not studying or ignorance, not that there is no primary offense.