四分律行事鈔資持記 3.485

3.485

In the title, *pātra* is a Sanskrit word, while *qì* (vessel) is Chinese terminology. *Pātra* specifically subsumes bowls and dishes, whereas *qì* is a general name for diverse requisites. Fully, it is called *pātra*, which is translated here as "requisite vessel" (or "responsive vessel"); according to the formula of determination below, which says "receive according to measure," it is a vessel of proper measure, named in reference to the norm. (Some take the explanation of the "three conformities," which is also admissible, but lacks textual warrant.) According to the *Rules for Robes and Manners*, it says: "Those who are worthy of receiving offerings use it, hence it is called the 'responsive vessel'"; this designates it in reference to the person. Alternatively, it is said in some places that one eats according to the capacity of one's stomach, hence it is called "responsive vessel," which names it in reference to food. The upper two characters [*bō qì*, "bowls and vessels"] subsume all the objects involved, while the lower two characters [*zhì mén*, "prohibitive section" / *shì piān*, "explication chapter"] indicate the teaching that encompasses them. Although the objects are numerous, the two teachings subsume them entirely: the single bowl is prohibited and maintained [by command], and violating it incurs an offense; the diverse requisites are permitted to be kept so that one is able to use them. Thus, relying on the two teachings, everything is universally encompassed. As for the "five phases" in the note, they are metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, which constitute the substance of the four requisites. "Provisions" refers to requisites for nourishment and regulation; it is a general name for the diverse requisites.