緇門警訓 3.24

3.24

The Zichi cites the Biaozong, saying: They are your Great Master because they can regulate beings. Or it is said: they are human feet, able to reach somewhere. Or it is said: they are the great earth, giving birth to and upholding things. They are the pillars of the path factors, that on which the noble path relies. They are the walls of dhyāna-concentration, that on which concentration and wisdom depend. Up to: like a pond, like a mirror, like a necklace of jewels, like a head, like a vessel. Also, in the Dazhidulun, they are like precious jewels, like life, like a boat, like the wings of a bird, and so forth, which can be known by investigating them. Moreover, in the Pianju, it first clarifies the protection of precepts, fully listing eight metaphors: like the young son of a king, like the light of the moon, like a wish-fulfilling jewel, like the only son of a king, like a person's single eye, like provisions for the poor, like a king's fine country, like good medicine for the sick. Furthermore, the Great Preface to the Precepts says: like the ocean without shore, like jewels of which one never tires. The Mahāsāṃghika prātimokṣa says: like chains for a monkey, like a bridle and bit for a horse. These are extensively found in the sūtras and vinayas and need not be cited again in full. Truly, because the virtue of the precepts is lofty and vast, it cannot be illustrated by a single object. Citing various images individually, each captures one aspect, but cannot fully resemble it.