梵網經古迹記 2.98

2.98

述曰：諸佛所師，所謂法也。以能生智，證涅槃故。《遺教》云：智慧者，度生死海牢船，無明闇夜明燈，一切病者良藥，伐煩惱樹利斧。是故汝等以聞、思、修慧而自增益。菩薩理應滅身尚求，而反輕慢，違犯乃深，故今制也。言「僧坊」者，制出家也。「舍宅」，在家也。「城邑」，國王等也。「日日三時」者，晨、旦、齋時、非時藥等。「日食三兩金」者，所重之寶，亦勿惜之。何者？施非聖財，得聖財故。二財差別，廣如《瑜伽》。「常請法師三時說法」者，若彼法師慧行勝己，日初、中、後應請說法。以請說故，語業善；三時禮故，身業善；不生瞋等，意業善。言「為法滅身請法」者，如求半偈，魂沈雪山，其事非一。有病等難，彼劣我勝，不請無違。

Explanation: That which is the teacher of all Buddhas is the Dharma. This is because it can give rise to wisdom and realize nirvāṇa. The Bequeathed Teachings Sūtra states: 'Wisdom is a sturdy boat to cross the ocean of birth and death, a bright lamp in the dark night of ignorance, good medicine for all sick persons, and a sharp axe to fell the tree of afflictions. Therefore, you should increase your own benefit through wisdom arising from hearing, contemplation, and cultivation.' In principle, a bodhisattva ought to seek the Dharma even by destroying his own body; conversely treating it with contempt is a profound violation. Therefore, it is now prohibited. 'Monasteries' regulates the ordained; 'dwellings' regulates the laity; 'cities and towns' regulates kings and the like. Regarding 'three times every day': morning, midday, the noon mealtime, non-timed medicine, etc. Regarding 'eating three liang of gold daily': even the most precious of treasures should not be begrudged. Why? Because by giving non-noble wealth, one obtains noble wealth. The distinction between the two types of wealth is detailed in the Yogācārabhūmi. Regarding 'constantly requesting the Dharma master to preach the Dharma during the three periods': if that Dharma master's wisdom and practice surpass one's own, one should request him to preach the Dharma in the early, middle, and late parts of the day. Because of requesting the teaching, verbal karma is virtuous; because of bowing three times, bodily karma is virtuous; because of not giving rise to anger or the like, mental karma is virtuous. Regarding 'destroying one's body for the sake of the Dharma to request the Dharma': like seeking half a verse and plunging one's spirit into the Snow Mountains, such occurrences are not unique. If there are difficulties such as illness, or if the teacher is inferior while oneself is superior, not requesting it does not constitute a violation.