四分律行事鈔資持記 2.944

2.944

The purpose of the question and answer is that, fearing one might suspect this precept has no efficacy in benefiting beings, the original institution is recounted to show it was not in vain. In the answer: since nobles do not commit offenses, when one speaks of it, one is known to be an ordinary person. If it were not prohibited, worldly people lacking knowledge would take it as actual realization. Therefore, although it prohibits nobles, it also serves to prohibit ordinary persons, which is why it is essential. An interlinear note to the precept says: all is as in the first section. If one speaks of karmic retribution (speaking of karmic retribution of oneself is permitted), or if in jest or by mistake, none of these is an offense.