四分律行事鈔資持記 3.715

3.715

八中。二文並明僧次。論約法同，經聽形同；無非皆為解脫出家，即堪受供。《涅槃》云：雖未受戒，已墮僧數。

In the eighth [heading], both texts clarify saṃgha seniority. The treatise speaks in terms of shared Dharma; the sūtra allows shared physical appearance. Since all have left home for the sake of liberation, they are worthy of receiving offerings. The Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra says: 'Although one has not yet received the precepts, one already falls within the number of the saṃgha.'