佛祖統紀 4.23

4.23

The Commentary states: The Brahmājāla prohibited bodhisattvas from eating meat. During the period of the Deer Park, the Small Vehicle permitted fish and meat for the sick. The Laṅkāvatāra then forbade bodhisattvas to eat meat. The Shiqian states that this was after the four Āgamas and marked the beginning of gradual prohibition. Since it was stated that bodhisattvas must not eat meat, we know that the teachings of the Small [Vehicle] still allowed it. Now, beginning with the Nirvāṇa [Sūtra], śrāvaka disciples were not permitted to eat meat: 'from this day forward' reveals that both the Great and the Small are regulated together. This is precisely the intention of supporting the monastic discipline. How could monastics of the degenerate age not know to observe this?