四分律行事鈔資持記 1.511

1.511

In the fifth question: the three characteristics—such as the marker—are the essential principles of establishing a boundary; if there is confusion regarding one matter, the assembled conditions will be deployed in vain, so they must be explained in detail. In the answer, it first shows the three kinds. The "marker" is the physical object, namely what is cited in the next heading from the Dharmaguptaka-vinaya, the Samantapāsādikā, and so forth. The "characteristic" is the border of the marker, for both the inner and outer characteristics rely on its border. The "external representation of the essence" refers to whether it is square, round, crooked, or straight, which is the shape of the boundary below. The Commentary states: "The marker is that on which the proclaimer relies; the characteristic is what is stated in the karmavācanā; the essence is the ground upon which the legal procedure is performed." This text makes it even clearer. From "Or…" downward, it shows their separation and combination. The first two sentences distinguish marker and essence. "The marker is the essence" is based on proclaiming from the outside. "The marker differs from the essence" is based on proclaiming from the inside. The next sentence distinguishes essence and characteristic; they are completely identical. "When approaching…" downward admonishes one to distinguish them early.