梵網經菩薩戒本疏 1.49

1.49

Eighth, regarding the universally applicable and the restricted, within this there are two: first the universally applicable, and second the restricted. As for the universally applicable, there may be killing of living beings without violating the precepts, which generates much merit. As the Śīlapaṭala of the Yogācārabhūmi states: 'Suppose a bodhisattva sees a brigand who, out of greed for wealth, wishes to kill many living beings; or wishes to harm highly virtuous śrāvakas, pratyekabuddhas, or bodhisattvas; or wishes to commit many deeds of immediate retribution. Having seen this, he arouses the thought and reflects: "If I cut off the life of that evil being, I shall fall into hell. If I do not cut off his life, the deed of immediate retribution will be completed, and he will suffer great torment. I would rather kill him and fall into Naraka, never letting that person suffer the torment of immediate retribution." A bodhisattva with such intention and reflection, toward that living being, with either a wholesome mind or an indeterminate mind, having known this matter, for the sake of the future deeply produces shame and remorse, and cuts off his life with a compassionate mind. Due to this cause and condition, there is no violation whatsoever of the bodhisattva precepts, and much merit is generated.' Furthermore, the twelfth fascicle of the Nirvāṇa Sūtra also speaks in the same way, as can be known. Second, as for the restricted, there are two meanings: 1. Violation: namely, seeing hardship and not rescuing, or seeing another kill one's own enemy and not compassionately rescuing, slightly giving rise to an accommodating feeling—all such cases are violations. 2. Accordant upholding: namely, constantly arousing great compassion, deeply feeling the weight of benevolence in body and mind, intending to substitute one's own body and life for their death and suffering, always keeping it in mind without forgetting; if not, one commits an offense. Such matters should be known.