法苑珠林 23.98

23.98

Furthermore, the *Fo benxing jing* states: At that time, bhikṣus gathered within a single hall, and there were two bhikṣus again expounding the Dharma, and thus they interfered with each other. They then built two halls. Within the two halls, they preached the Dharma separately, yet they still interfered with each other. Bhikṣus inside this hall would lead others to go to that hall; at that hall there were bhikṣus who alternately enticed others to come to this hall. Going and coming in mixed confusion, they ended up disrupting the assembly. Some people departed or arrived, and the Dharma activities were broken off; or there were bhikṣus who did not take pleasure in hearing this Dharma gate preached. At that time, the bhikṣus reported this in full to the Buddha. The Buddha addressed the bhikṣus: “From this time forward, it is not permitted for two people to preach the Dharma in one hall. Nor is it permitted for two halls to be so close that their voices meet and obstruct each other. Nor is it permitted for those to go to this assembly or these to go to that assembly. Nor is it permitted to detest a śramaṇa and dislike hearing him speak. If someone detests them, he must be disciplined according to the Dharma.” (Moreover, the *Four-Part Vinaya* also does not permit two Dharma masters preaching the Dharma in the same hall with high seats placed close together and sitting side by side to preach, nor preaching in a singing voice, nor chanting pāṭha together in twin voices; all of these are forbidden. Other Vinayas also do not permit a Dharma master on a high seat to receive flowers scattered by laypeople; if flowers alight on his body, they must immediately be shaken off.) Furthermore, the *Samantapāsādikā* states: If a Dharma master preaches the Dharma for those listening to the discourse, women who listen must cover their faces with a fan and take care not to show their teeth in laughter. If any laugh, they should be driven out. Why? Because it was spoken from the golden mouth of the Samyaksaṃbuddha out of pity for sentient beings. You should listen with a mind of shame; why laugh and be driven out?