天台菩薩戒疏 2.4

2.4

Second: the precept against drinking alcohol. Alcohol is a medicine of stupor and madness; grave faults arise from it, and so the offense is established. It specifically possesses four conditions: first, it is genuine alcohol; second, the conception that it is genuine alcohol; third, there is no circumstance of severe illness; fourth, it enters the mouth, whereupon the offense is committed. In the Vinaya, mistaken drinking is not included [as an offense], whereas this text specifically establishes [the offense for doing so] "intentionally". As for the text, it again has two parts: first, stating the title, adducing the fault, and enjoining the cessation of evil; next, from "if intentionally..." onward, the bequeathed injunction concluding the offense. First, regarding "vessels of alcohol": empty vessels that hold alcohol. If even empty vessels incur an offense, how much more so urging others to drink? Emerging from the hells, the retribution is to be born among miscellaneous species, even earthworms; hence it says "without hands". Even instructing others to drink is impermissible; how much less drinking it oneself? Therefore, both are concluded as offenses. Concluding the offense may be understood.