梵網經古迹記 2.33

2.33

The Commentary says: Below is the Buddha's preface, setting forth in turn the characteristics of the three wheels of teacher, Dharma, and disciple. There are two kinds of teachers: first, the fundamental teacher, meaning the Buddha; second, the derivative, the bodhisattvas. Hence it says 'I recite, and you should also recite.' 'Recite every half-month': although the teacher has disappeared, they abide relying on the Dharma. Adding leads easily to regression, and subtracting makes advancement difficult. To avoid regressing from the precepts and to advance in cultivating concentration and wisdom, every half-month neither adds nor subtracts. As the Legacy Teaching says: 'The prātimokṣa is your teacher; if I remained in the world, it would be no different from this.' 'Generating the aspiration' refers to the stage of the ten faiths. The practice still has regression, so it is not an official stage of the three classes of worthies. 'Ten launchings' are the ten abodes, being the first of the three classes of worthies. 'Ten nourishings' are the ten practices, because they nourish the sacred embryo. 'Ten vajras' are the ten dedications, because they gather the five powers. In the lower fascicle of the Benye [jing], all are prior to the grounds (bhūmis). Precepts can destroy darkness, using light as an auspicious sign. What is constantly recited and held emerges from the mouth, so it says 'it has conditions and is not without cause.'