四分比丘戒本疏 1.22

1.22

The commentary states: This is concluding by investigating their observance. That is to say, being about to recite the main body of the various precepts, one first comprehensively investigates whether the assembly is pure or defiled. For a defiled person to listen to the precepts is prohibited by the Vinaya teachings; knowing that it is prohibited and yet listening violates the three inquiries of the prologue. Moreover, each time one conceals an offence and passes through the three inquiries, one further violates the silence of the three inquiries of the main divisions. Therefore, one now investigates so that they do not conceal it. Thus the Khandhaka on the Recitation of the Prātimokṣa states: "If one has committed an offence, one may not recite the precepts nor listen to the precepts. One may not confess to one who has committed an offence, and an offender may not receive another's confession." Having completed the investigation, the assembly remembers and upholds it alike; therefore it says, "Thus should it be held."