四分律行事鈔資持記 1.587

1.587

二中，初三句示所治之過。為下二句，明能治之心。若下，列治罰相；初明密誡，禁微過也。又下，明屏罰，治輕過也。初罰須語，正罰不與語，故云終也。亦下，明對眾罰，治重過也。治法有五：上三句三法，治次重過；或下二法，治極重過。四體布地，異上禮拜；謂身面伏地，折辱令恥；如草覆治相謝之相。我下，如來自陳設教之意。

In the second, the first three sentences show the faults to be dealt with. The two sentences under "for the sake of..." explain the mind of the one who governs. In "if...", it lists the characteristics of punishment; first, it clarifies confidential reprimand to prohibit minor faults. In "moreover...", it clarifies punishment in seclusion to deal with light faults. The initial punishment requires speaking, but during the actual punishment one does not speak with them, hence it says "to the end." In "also...", it clarifies punishment before the assembly to deal with heavy faults. There are five methods of governance: the first three sentences are three methods to deal with secondary heavy faults; the two methods under "or..." deal with extremely heavy faults. "Placing the four limbs on the ground" is different from the prostrations mentioned above; it means casting body and face to the ground to humble them and make them ashamed, like the characteristic of seeking pardon in the covering-with-grass procedure. In "I...", the Tathāgata personally states the intention behind instituting the teachings.