緇門警訓 8.37

8.37

I have a niṣīdana, its dimensions made according to measure: its color and appearance belong to the category of kāṣāya, its material substance is two layers of coarse cloth. Four [spans] in length, three in width, cutting the new to patch the old. For those of large stature, dispensations allow an increase; for my small body, I follow the original regulation. Loving the large and disliking the small, merely blaming others' errors, turning regulations into dispensations—how do they know they deceive themselves? I have heard that a bhikṣu's body is a stūpa of the five parts [of the dharmakāya], and the niṣīdana is its four-cornered foundation. Thus it is that which aids a person of the Way; how could it be merely for protecting the body? In seated meditation or preaching the Dharma, spread it without losing deportment; when entering settlements or wandering afar, carry it without parting by half a step. Otherwise, violating the various Vinayas will incur penalties, and for a whole lifetime there will be no place to sit in accordance with the Dharma.