四分律行事鈔資持記 2.937

2.937

In clarifying the transgression: damaging the Dharma-body is also like what the Mahāsaṃnipāta-sūtra says, that if one strikes one who has broken the precepts, the sin is the same as shedding the blood of myriad koṭis of Buddhas. The Commentary states: "Is it not that their appearance and robes differ from the worldly, serving as a sign of the noble path? If one subjects them to slight and slander, the Triratna is completely ruined; therefore, though they have broken the precepts, they are still vessels of the Dharma-body. Though the prohibited offense is light, the karmic course of action is exceptionally grave."