菩薩戒本疏 2.57

2.57

The four precepts from here downward concern the correct practice and guarding of one's own śikṣāpadas. The first precept prohibits relying on power to beg and solicit; the second prohibits pretending to be a teacher without understanding; the third prohibits envying the good and stirring up strife over faults; the fourth prohibits seeing suffering and not rescuing. First, regarding not begging illegitimately: this diminishes the practice of few desires and can easily cause the fault of afflicting others; hence it is prohibited. It is prohibited in both the Mahāyāna and the Hīnayāna, and is forbidden alike to the seven assemblies. In the text, 'relying on them to create influence and power' means: openly depending on their commands is called 'influence' (xing), and secretly relying on their power is called 'power' (shi). 'Begging, beating, dragging' means: at first one begs, and if it is not given, one beats them to intimidate them and drags them to seize it. 'Illegitimately seizing money and goods' means taking by improper means. If one takes and obtains the goods, it separately constitutes an offense of theft. Here, in terms of relying on power to beg, it constitutes a duṣkṛta offense. 'All such seeking of profit is called evil seeking, excessive seeking' means: seeking by improper means is called evil seeking, and seeking insatiably is called excessive seeking. 'Teaching others to seek' means not only practicing it oneself but also teaching others. 'Completely lacking a mind of compassion and lacking a mind of filial devotion' means: harming and afflicting others, thus lacking a mind of compassion; and violating what the Buddha instituted, thus lacking filial devotion.