菩薩戒本疏 2.111

2.111

The eight precepts from here down concern gathering [sentient beings] by means of the Dharma, in which there are two parts: the first seven concern gathering through practices of the Dharma, and the eighth concerns gathering through doctrinal teachings of the Dharma. Within gathering through practice there are again two parts: the first two precepts clarify practices of abandoning faults, and the subsequent five precepts clarify practices of gathering goodness. Among the practices of abandoning faults, the first is abandoning the fault of causing harm, and the second is abandoning the fault of negligence (pramāda). Keeping and raising what causes harm conflicts with the practice of gathering with compassion, therefore it was instituted to require its cessation. It is instituted in both the Greater and Lesser [Vehicles], and the seven assemblies guard against it together. In the text, six matters are fully listed: First, one must not keep knives, staves, bows, and arrows; this prevents the fault of killing and harming. In the earlier tenth precept, it was instituted because it violates gathering goodness. Now, in this precept, it is instituted because it violates gathering goodness, and instituted to bring about benefit to sentient beings. Second, one must not traffic in light scales and small measures; this prevents the fault of stealing and causing loss. Third, relying on official power and prestige to seize people's property. In the earlier seventeenth precept, begging based on influence was prohibited. In this precept, securing property through official commissions is prohibited; this also prevents stealing and loss. Fourth, binding with a harmful mind means that the mind desires to injure and afflict, though not necessarily resulting in harm. Fifth, destroying what has been successfully accomplished means ruining what another has accomplished for use. Sixth, raising cats and the like; since in the long run there is injury and harm, one should not keep them. If one sees them on the verge of peril and rescues or ransoms them, there is no offense.