勸發菩提心集 3.32

3.32

Next, explain the characteristics of upholding and violating [the precepts]. Even down to tying a single blade of grass, there are characteristics of upholding and violating the bodhisattva precepts. They cannot be explained in full; now the grave ones are briefly explained, namely the four pārājikas. Pārājika is translated here as 'defeat' (parājayavastu): wholesome dharmas benefit oneself, and are called 'self'; unwholesome dharmas harm oneself, and are called 'other'. If one violates these four, unwholesome dharmas increase and harm oneself, so it is called 'defeat'.