四分律刪繁補闕行事鈔 3.378

3.378

The establishment of the rank of śrāmaṇera is the beginning of leaving the secular world; newly dyed by the profound scriptures, the mind is set on what is lofty. The teachings that one can practice oneself are precisely used to undertake cultivation; yet pretending to walk the path while merely muddling through is frequently seen in the world. Now, faith is the source of the Way and the mother of merits, while wisdom is the cause of supramundane liberation; he who leaves household life must put these two first. If one is not yet clear about this, shaving the head and wearing robes is in vain—internally the mind lacks the Way, and externally the deportment lacks the method; indulging foolish sentiments, one remains just like the filthy secular world. Therefore, entering the Dharma up to white-haired old age, yet being as though facing a wall in all affairs, is truly because one lacks devoted faith oneself, and holy wisdom has no cause to arise; solely attending to nurturing the body, how could one know the supreme enterprise of the essential path to transcendence? Therefore, I first clarify the fundamental intent of leaving secular life, and thereafter explain according to that intent. Within the first section there are seven headings: first, clarifying the original cause of leaving household life; second, encouraging renunciation as beneficial; third, obstructing renunciation as harmful; fourth, practicing ordinary sinful deeds; fifth, practicing ordinary meritorious deeds; sixth, clarifying the practice of the holy path; seventh, determining the similarities and differences between the Mahāyāna and Hīnayāna.