法苑珠林 10.136

10.136

The Fo benxing jing states: At that time, King Śuddhodana addressed the Śākyas, saying, “You Śākyas, if you know the right time, then from each family one person must go forth. If among the Śākya clan there are five brothers, let three go forth and two remain at home. If four, two go forth and two remain at home. If three, two go forth and one remains at home. If two, one goes forth and one remains at home. If only one, do not let him go forth. Why? So as not to sever our Śākya lineage.”