釋門章服儀 1.18

1.18

Question: 'Renunciation is based on the Way and does not rely on outward form and robes. Hence the text states: "Merely obtain enough to support the body and relieve the distress of cold." Therefore, the ten kinds of rag robes are the original principle of the ancient sages. As for other robes and patched garments, once obtained, one simply uses them; cultivating the mind in reliance upon them is sufficient to transcend the world. As for the four wrong livelihoods and five wrong livelihoods forbidden in the Vinaya and sūtras, and the few desires and contentment permitted by the worthy and holy, they result in some having distinct robes yet lacking the path of borrowing conventions, while in their deportment they violate the rules and prohibitions, their bodies and minds falling into the net of heaven, and their receiving and upholding departing from the true Dharma. How can this be resolved and reconciled with the text that says "merely obtain"?'