法苑珠林 42.22

42.22

Furthermore, the Sarvāstivāda-śāstra states: "There are four explanations of the proper time: First, from sunrise up to midday, the light grows brighter, which is called the proper time. From midday onward until the latter part of the night, the light fades and disappears, and hence it is called the improper time. Second, from morning to midday is the time when people prepare food; begging then causes no annoyance, and hence it is called the proper time. From midday onward into the night, it is the time when laypeople feast and seek entertainment; entering villages to beg for food then causes much disturbance and annoyance, and hence it is called the improper time. Third, from morning to midday, laypeople attend to their duties and lustful distractions have not arisen; begging then causes no annoyance, and hence it is called the proper time. From midday onward, their affairs cease and lustful play, joking, and laughter occur; entering villages to beg for food easily incurs slander, and hence it is called the improper time. Fourth, from morning to midday is the time to beg for food; obtaining food to nourish the body settles the mind for practicing the Way, and matters accord with the Dharma, hence it is called the proper time. From midday onward, one ought to cultivate the Way; it is not the time to beg for food, and hence it is called the improper time."