道宣律師感通錄 1.29

1.29

He also asked me: "A sitting mat is double-layered; this is the established original rule. After cutting, pieces are added, but only to one side and one end. What if one intends to add pieces on all four sides so that it goes completely around the perimeter?" I said: "Now I have faith in the established teaching; it is not set down in vain. The vinaya states: 'Beyond the original rule, the length and breadth may each be increased by half a span.' According to the text, it is only one breadth and one length; it does not say the length and breadth of all four sides. In practice it is not without inconvenience, yet it is still superior to following the traces of Vṛji." Thereupon he fell silent. He also asked me: "Now I see practicing monks placing their sitting mats on their left shoulders. In my heart I cannot bear to approve it. For what reason? An item used beneath [the body]—how can it be on the left shoulder? As a lay disciple, I do not know the vinaya extensively. Master, please explain it; I would gladly hear this essential point." I said: "Placing the sitting mat on the shoulder—this is an established teaching. When Śāriputra first founded the Jetavana, the non-Buddhists gathered like clouds. Sudatta went to invite Śāriputra, who then fully cultivated the deportment, placed the niṣīdana on his left shoulder, and walked in a measured manner into the great assembly; going up to the high seat, he took it and spread it out. Moreover, in various vinayas and treatises, there are texts in many places: after a monk has eaten or emerged from meditation, the niṣīdana is on his left shoulder. Also, when entering the forest to sit in meditation, having the three robes, the right corner is on the left shoulder, the sitting mat is placed above it, and the bowl-bag is further added on top. Therefore the Shanjian says: 'The bowl-bag crosses the left shoulder, its dark color distinct.' How could this be anything other than the practice of the ancients? Nowadays, the three robes are placed down on the left elbow and the sitting mat is hidden inside the inner arm, and only then is sitting discussed. If one speaks of both being on the left side of the body, with the bowl-bag strapped across the left shoulder and hanging down to the left knee—as eras change through error, the original source is lost. I have seen ancient auspicious images, and those currently made in this region: none fail to drape the robe over the left shoulder, after which one takes the corner of the robe and, folding it with the corner of the robe inside the left arm, holds them, fearing that two corners will stick out like the shape of sheep's ears; this aligns down to this vinaya and is also a model of the sages. How can one constrict the left arm when walking and let the left thigh go loose when sitting? I have not seen any authoritative text permitting this; in the end it is laxity of deportment."