四分比丘戒本疏 1.11

1.11

Fourth, analyzing and explaining according to the text. Within this text, three sections are broadly opened: first, the section on praising virtues and practicing together; second, the section on opening the essential tenets and examining closely; third, the section on concluding instructions and directing aspiration. Within the section on praising virtues and practicing together, there are two parts: first, the verses praising the virtues of the precepts; next, practicing together in harmony. Within the verses of praise, the twelve lines of verse are divided into four: the first single verse reverently transmits the true Dharma; the second part has four verses instructing the etiquette of listening; the third part has five verses distinguishing benefits from losses; the fourth part has two verses clarifying its superior virtues. To explain the first verse reverently transmitting the true Dharma: the Three Jewels are worthy of reverence, and the Dharma is surely fit to be transmitted. Therefore, the text states, "I bow my head in homage to all the Buddhas, and to the Dharma and the Sangha of monks," which pays reverence. "Now I expound the vinaya Dharma, so that the true Dharma may long endure," which transmits the true Dharma. There are three grades of homage, of which bowing the head is the most venerable; hence the Kośa says, "Bowing the head and touching the feet is therefore called reverent homage." The object of reverence is precisely all the Buddhas, as well as the Dharma and the Sangha; first revering the Three Jewels is used to indicate an auspicious sign, so that in transmitting the true Dharma there may be no calamities or obstacles. The *Tattvasiddhi-śāstra* says, "The Three Jewels are the most auspicious; therefore I now list them first." Regarding "Now I expound the vinaya Dharma": vinaya is precisely subjugating and eradicating evil; hence Asvabhāva's *Saṃgraha-bhāṣya*, fascicle seven, states, "Alternatively, that all good can eradicate manifold evils, bring about great nirvāṇa, and eliminate birth and death, is called vinaya." Now, this prātimokṣa text directly cures evil conduct and distantly attains nirvāṇa, so it is called the vinaya Dharma. Regarding "so that the true Dharma may long endure": the true Dharma is twofold: first, the [Dharma of] teachings; second, the [Dharma of] realization. Declaring and transmitting it every half-month causes the teaching Dharma to long endure; relying on it and attaining realization causes the realization Dharma to long endure.