法苑珠林 87.82

87.82

It asks: 'How is the sequence?' The answer states: 'As the Sarvāstivāda-śāstra states, if the disciple first names the Dharma and afterwards names the Buddha, it does not accomplish the three refuges, because the ranks of the Three Jewels are distinct. If one is foolish, having no understanding, and recites out of sequence without bad intentions, one does not commit an offense, and the three refuges are also accomplished. If one previously knew and understood and yet deliberately speaks in reverse order, one commits an offense, and the three refuges are also not accomplished.' It asks: 'How is it with regard to destinations (gati)?' The answer states: 'As the Sarvāstivāda-śāstra states, the destinations extend throughout the five paths, and all can attain the three refuges, excluding the heavy hells. Other than those, in the light-confinement hells among mountains, under trees, in empty wildernesses, and on sea shores, all can accomplish refuge, but there is no method for receiving precepts. Furthermore, the Tattvasiddhi-śāstra asks: "Do sentient beings of the other destinations attain the discipline of the precepts?" The answer states: "The sūtras say that the various nāgas are also able to receive the one-day precepts, so we know they can have them." Furthermore, the Samantapāsādikā states: "Can nāgas, deities, and the like receive the three refuges and five precepts?" The answer states: "As the Sarvāstivāda-śāstra states, because nāgas, beasts, and the like lack understanding due to karmic retribution, they cannot accomplish reception. Except that the sūtras say they may receive the eight purifications (upavāsa), which only increases their wholesome roots, but they do not attain the fast." Furthermore, as the Dharmaguptaka-vinaya says that nāgas attain the three refuges, just as the merchant brothers and others only attained the three refuges of turning away from heterodoxy without the precepts. Although the nāgas and deities in the Vinaya could receive the three refuges, these all understood human speech and recognized its intention, so only then were the precepts conferred on them. Beyond them, foolish pigs, sheep, snails, clams, and the like do not give rise to refuge at all.'