法苑珠林 19.48

19.48

Furthermore, the *Daśacakra-sūtra* states: The Buddha said, “Son of good family, there are four kinds of saṃgha. What are the four? First, the saṃgha of ultimate meaning; second, the pure saṃgha; third, the mute sheep saṃgha; and fourth, the shameless saṃgha. What is called the saṃgha of ultimate meaning? The buddhas, bodhisattvas, pratyekabuddhas, and the four fruits of the śramaṇa—these seven kinds of persons are called the saṃgha of ultimate meaning. Laypersons who attain the noble fruits are also called the saṃgha of ultimate meaning. What is called the pure saṃgha? All those who are able to uphold the complete precepts are called the pure saṃgha. What is called the mute sheep saṃgha? Those who do not know what constitutes an offense or non-offense, whether an offense is grave, light, or subtle, or whether it can be confessed; who are foolish and without wisdom, do not draw close to good spiritual friends, and cannot inquire into the profound meaning of what is good and what is not good—such characteristics are called the mute sheep saṃgha. What is called the shameless saṃgha? If someone enters the Buddha's Dharma merely to sustain their own livelihood, transgresses all [the precepts], breaks the harmonious saṃgha, does not fear future lives, gives free rein to the six passions, and is greedily attached to the five desires—such persons are called the shameless saṃgha. (All four of these kinds of saṃgha must be revered.)”