勸發菩提心集 3.31

3.31

Next, one should explain the three grades of mental state for receiving the precepts. In the presence of the Buddhas of the ten directions, three grades of signs appear: either a cool breeze, wondrous fragrance, extraordinary sounds, or light, various signs appear. Those bodhisattvas each ask their Buddhas: 'For what cause and condition do these signs appear?' Those Buddhas each reply: 'In such-and-such direction, in the Sahā world, at such-and-such place, there are many bodhisattvas named so-and-so who have declared their receiving of the bodhisattva precepts at the place of master so-and-so. It is because of now bearing witness that these three grades of signs have appeared.' All those bodhisattvas rejoice and each say: 'In such an extremely evil place, that sentient beings so fully possessed of defilements, afflictions, and bad karma are able to arouse such an extremely surpassing mind and receive the bodhisattva precepts is exceedingly rare! We deeply generate pity and give rise to the mind of sabrahmacārins toward you.' Therefore, you should protect and maintain the pure precepts with utmost sincerity, not begrudging physical life and never violating them."