佛制比丘六物圖 1.102

1.102

Third, the method of making the bag. The Sarvāstivāda-vinayavibhāṣā: "Take the finest fine-cotton one hasta [in size] to make the bag." (Here it is suitable to make it using tightly boiled silk.) The Mahāsāṃghika-vinaya: "If the insects are too fine, make it of three layers." The Dharmaguptaka-vinaya: "Make a water-filtering bag in the shape of a ladle, or triangular, or make a wide frame, or make a straining jar. If one is troubled by tiny insects passing through, place sand inside the bag. When straining is completed, return them to the water." (This is for private use. If placing it in a communal place, one should follow the model in the Jigui zhuan: use five chi of silk, set up posts at both ends, drive in hooks and attach cords to tie it above, prop it open in the middle with a crossbar, and catch [the water] below with a basin, and so forth.) The Shichao says: "Nowadays there are worthless men who, seeing someone holding a water strainer, say: 'Vinaya study resides solely in the water-filtering bag.' Yet they do not know that its purpose is profound; those who harm life and obstruct the Path still do not keep a water-filtering bag; even if they keep it they do not use it; even if they use it they do not pour out the insects; even if they pour them out they harm the lives of the insects. When they do not even observe the single precept against killing living beings, their remaining deportment, views, and livelihood are perpetually submerged in it." (One does not perform an assignment because it is a slight and small object. Or because it is constantly held, as in the Vinaya: 'If one lacks it, one must not travel half a yojana,' which is this.) In the past, Master Gushan once wrote the Lunang zhi (Record of the Water Strainer), saying: "I hang it in the thatched cottage to supply the required count of Dharma requisites. As for using it, I have not yet been able to. When I say that Zhongyongzi knows the teaching, who does not know that the teaching comes [from this]?" May one take no example from this.