量處輕重儀 2.32

2.32

Third, saṅgha property of the manifest four directions category. This means that intention extends to both internal and external, while establishing a rule prevents its distribution: namely, donations received by the saṅgha from the sevenfold assembly of monastics and laity, light property of deceased members of the fivefold assembly that enters into distribution, and the like. If one considers the appraisal of offenses, it is also reckoned in two ways: if the administrator steals it himself, since with respect to the saṅgha of the four directions it does not reach five, he incurs only a sthūlātyaya; if there is a specific guardian, a heavy offense is reckoned with respect to that individual. This refers to the time before ritual procedure is applied: it is therefore called saṅgha wealth and property, and looking upon the three-thousandfold world, the entire saṅgha of a single conversion field all obtains merit and benefit, which reciprocally supports the donors. If one steals this property, it is reckoned with respect to the saṅgha, yet the saṅgha is ultimately difficult to assemble and in principle requires regulation by legal procedure; therefore the Sage commanded that a karman be performed to prevent outsiders from coming. If a jñaptidvitīya-karman has already been applied, the property is restricted to the presently assembled saṅgha, and by having it fully entrusted to one person, it is left to him to appraise the amount and distribute it. If the custodian steals it himself, the offense is reckoned with respect to the manifest saṅgha. If the thief evades the guardian, offenses are reckoned in both ways (namely, dedicated guardianship is reckoned according to the saṅgha rule, while negligent storage is reckoned with respect to the guardian). Thus the Sujāta Sūtra says: 'Taking the property of a deceased monk before the karman is performed is a light offense with respect to the saṅgha of the ten directions (meaning the administrative punishment is light while the karmic retribution is heavy); if the karman has already been performed, it is a heavy offense with respect to the manifest saṅgha (meaning though the administrative punishment is heavy, the future karmic retribution is light).'