釋禪波羅蜜次第法門 2.21

2.21

Second, directly explaining the essence and characteristics of the precepts: there are differences between two types of doctrinal teachings. In the Hīnayāna teaching, it explains that the precepts are an unconditioned good dharma: when the causes and conditions for receiving the precepts are complete, if one generates the unmanifest precept, thereafter whether asleep or entering samādhi, this goodness arises naturally on its own without requiring bodily, verbal, or mental activity, taking the unmanifest precisely as the precept-essence. According to the Sarvāstivādins, they explain that the unmanifest precept is unmanifest form, invisible and non-obstructive. According to the Dharmaguptakas, they explain that the unmanifest precept belongs to the third category, being a dharma that is neither form nor mind. Since the various schools differ, although one should not adhere one-sidedly, according to the Hīnayāna doctrinal teachings, taking the unmanifest as the precept-essence is ultimately correct, and its meaning is without error. In the Mahāyāna doctrinal teachings, it is said that precepts arise from the mind, directly taking the good mind as the precept-essence. This meaning is as explained in the Yingluo jing. Some masters say: "The Mahāsāṃghikas say that the unmanifest precept is a mental dharma."