法苑珠林 23.9

23.9

Furthermore, the *New Vibhāṣā* states: Sentient beings in the world, seeing one who is shameless (*ahrīka*), call him reckless (*anapatrāpya*); seeing one who is reckless, they call him shameless. They go so far as to claim that these two have one and the same substance. Now, wishing to reveal the distinction between their natures and characteristics and enable those in doubt to gain a definitive understanding, we ask: What is the distinction between shamelessness and recklessness? Answer: Proceeding without fear before sovereign [superiors] is shamelessness; not seeing fear regarding various transgressions is recklessness. Again, proceeding without fear before sovereign [superiors] is shamelessness; not seeing fear regarding various transgressions is recklessness. Again, lack of respect is shamelessness; lack of dread is recklessness. Again, failing to loathe and deprecate afflictions is shamelessness; failing to loathe and deprecate evil conduct is recklessness. Again, committing evil without self-regard is shamelessness; committing evil without regard for others is recklessness. Again, committing evil without self-shame is shamelessness; committing evil without shame before others is recklessness. Again, committing evil without shame is shamelessness; committing evil while being arrogant and negligent is recklessness. Again, committing transgressions while alone without shame is shamelessness; committing transgressions before others without shame is recklessness. Again, committing transgressions before a few persons without shame is shamelessness; committing transgressions before a multitude without shame is recklessness. Again, committing transgressions before sentient beings of bad destinies without shame is shamelessness; committing transgressions before sentient beings of good destinies without shame is recklessness. Again, committing transgressions before foolish persons without shame is shamelessness; committing transgressions before wise persons without shame is recklessness. Again, committing transgressions before lowly persons without shame is shamelessness; committing transgressions before venerable persons without shame is recklessness. Again, committing transgressions before householders without shame is shamelessness; committing transgressions before renunciants without shame is recklessness. Again, committing transgressions before non-preceptors and non-teachers without shame is shamelessness; committing transgressions before preceptors and teachers without shame is recklessness. Again, not being ashamed before devas when committing evil is shamelessness; not feeling shame before humans when committing evil is recklessness. Again, inability to censure evil causes is shamelessness; inability to loathe and fear evil fruits is recklessness. Again, an outflowing of greed is shamelessness; an outflowing of ignorance is recklessness. Such are the distinctions between shamelessness and recklessness. These two dharmas are bound only to the desire realm and are solely unwholesome. They are universally associated with all unwholesome minds and mental factors, with the sole exception of their own intrinsic nature (reversing each of the preceding evil states constitutes shame (*hrī*) and modesty (*apatrāpya*)). Furthermore, the *Yogācārabhūmi-śāstra* states: What are shamelessness and recklessness? It means having no sense of shame with regard to oneself or others, deliberately transgressing, and after having transgressed, being unable to achieve release in accordance with the Dharma, and delighting in various litigations, disputes, and quarrels. This is called shamelessness and recklessness. Furthermore, the *Sūtra of the Buddha's Bequeathed Teaching* states: Shame is like an iron hook capable of restraining a person from non-dharmic deeds. Therefore, bhikṣus should constantly cultivate shame and modesty, never allowing them to cease even for a moment. If one is devoid of shame and modesty, one will lose all merit. A person who possesses modesty has wholesome dharmas; one who lacks modesty is no different from beasts.