法苑珠林 38.84

38.84

又問。何故伽梨分為二處住耶。答曰。亦為末世惡比丘比丘尼等不受持衣多犯禁戒無有威德。是故世尊令將伽梨六年住戒壇。令招威德天人龍神敬佛意故不嫌比丘比丘尼。伽梨六年住戒壇。亦為惡尼令修行八敬供養比丘勿起婬意修持淨行。令諸鬼神敬順佛意。日夜六時來至伽藍擁護尼眾。故住六年。

"He asked again: 'For what reason is the saṃghāṭī robe divided to remain in two places?' They answered, saying: 'It is also for the evil bhikṣus and bhikṣuṇīs of the latter age who do not uphold the robes, frequently violate the prohibitive precepts, and lack majesty and virtue. For this reason, the World-Honoured One commanded that the saṃghāṭī robe be taken to remain at the ordination platform for six years, in order to summon majesty and virtue, and so that devas, humans, nāgas, and spirits, out of respect for the Buddha's intent, will not harbor resentment toward bhikṣus and bhikṣuṇīs. The saṃghāṭī robe remains for six years at the ordination platform also so that the evil bhikṣuṇīs will practice the eight reverences, make offerings to bhikṣus, not give rise to lustful thoughts, and cultivate pure conduct, and to cause the various spirits to respectfully comply with the Buddha's intent, coming to the saṃghārāma at all six periods of the day and night to guard and protect the congregation of nuns. Therefore it remains for six years.'"