緇門警訓 2.63

2.63

In Sanskrit, it is bhikṣu; in the language of the Hua, it means 'beggar'. Internally, one begs for the Dharma to cultivate the nature; externally, one begs for food to support the body. Parents are the closest of human relations, yet they are renounced first; beard and hair are what the world values, yet all are shaved away. Wealth overflowing with the seven treasures is cast aside like weeds; honor exalted as the premier rank is viewed as no different from mist and clouds. Deeply weary of impermanence, he thoroughly explores the source of existence. Wishing to elevate his aspiration, he must humble his person. Holding a staff is like carrying dry goosefoot; lifting a bowl is no different from holding a broken vessel. Draping a soiled garment over his shoulders, it is just a ragged robe; stringing a netted bag around his elbow, it is identical to a mat sack. His pure livelihood is already counted within the eightfold noble path; his frugal personal cultivation is included within the four dependencies. The nine provinces and the four seas are all places for his wanderings; beneath trees and among burial grounds are all dwellings for his rest. He mounts the swift carriage of the three vehicles; he treads the remaining tracks of the Buddhas. Receiving the holy teachings without transgression, he is a true disciple of the Buddha; encountering worldly conditions without wavering, he is a real great man. He can repel the demonic hosts, sweep open the nets of dust, and when he receives supreme offerings worth ten thousand pieces of gold, he can surely assimilate them. As a field of merit for the four forms of birth, it is truly not an empty trust. That 'beggar' is taken as the meaning must surely refer to this!