法苑珠林 89.59

89.59

此門有四。一定其種性。二定其發心。三定其漸頓。四正為受戒。第一問言。汝某甲善男子善女人聽法姊法妹汝是菩薩不。答言是。戒師若坐若立問者皆得。所以坐得者。為戒師老而無力故。所以立得者。為戒師少而有力故。某甲者。蓋題其父母師長所制名也。非謂稱其榮族皇帝明府之號也。設稱亦不發戒。但背法逐情。非重道之儀也。

This category has four parts: first, determining the lineage-nature; second, determining the arousal of the mind; third, determining the gradual or sudden; fourth, properly receiving the precepts. The first asks: "You, so-and-so, good man or good woman, Dharma sister or Dharma sister who listens to the Dharma, are you a bodhisattva or not?" The reply is: "I am." It is permissible whether the precept master asks while seated or standing. The reason sitting is permissible is that the precept master may be old and lacking strength. The reason standing is permissible is that the precept master may be young and possessing strength. "So-and-so" refers to the personal name given by one's parents and teachers, and does not mean invoking titles of one's illustrious clan, an emperor, or a prefect. Even if invoked, the precepts will not arise; it merely turns one's back on the Dharma to pursue worldly sentiments, which is not the rite of honouring the Way.