菩薩戒本疏 2.21

2.21

Passing over someone without requesting the Dharma loses the benefit of imbuing the spirit, hence it is proscribed. For śrāvakas, if there is one who knows the extensive and abbreviated poṣadha procedures, it is proscribed that one should serve them. Within five years [of ordination] and when not yet understanding the five dharmas, by rule one should make requests; if not, one commits an offense of the seventh class. Beyond this it is not proscribed, because self-deliverance is easily satisfied. When a bodhisattva sees one who has knowledge, one should constantly serve and request them, because the desire for wholesome dharmas is insatiable; the seven assemblies are equally subject to the offense. In the text describing the matter, there are two parts: first, making offerings to the master; second, requesting the Dharma. Making offerings to the master has two parts: first, circumambulation and making offerings; second, making offerings of food and drink. 'Three times every day one should make offerings' means three times within the proper hours; or during improper times, one may also make offerings of non-timely broths and the like. 'Spending three taels of gold daily on food' is spoken in terms of one who is capable of providing it; or it is stated thus to cause the Dharma to be held in high esteem, just as the Ascetic of the Snowy Mountains gave up his own life for the sake of a single verse, to say nothing of external wealth. Third, offering personal service, meaning giving everything else that is needed. In requesting the Dharma, 'requesting the Dharma three times' means morning, midday, and evening. 'Not giving rise to an angry mind or a mind of distress': even if the Dharma master should go against one's wishes, one ultimately does not give rise to an angry mind. Even though one's own body is exhausted from serving, one also does not give rise to a mind of distress. 'Giving up one's life for the sake of the Dharma, requesting the Dharma': this explains the reason for not giving rise to anger or distress. If there is illness or impediment, or the Dharma master has an obstacle, or if one knows that the other is inferior and oneself is superior—under such circumstances, not requesting does not constitute an offense.