法苑珠林 88.46

88.46

Question: How is it with gradual or sudden [reception]? Answer: Both are permissible. Therefore, the *Tattvasiddhi-śāstra* asks: "Some say that the five precepts must be received in full; how is this matter?" It answers: "According to whether one receives few or many, one obtains the moral discipline in every case. They are merely summarized into five." Therefore, the *Upāsaka-śīla-sūtra* states: "There is a one-part [precept holder], there is a lesser-part [precept holder], there is a non-part [precept holder], there is a major-part [precept holder], and there is a full-part [precept holder]. If having taken the three refuges one does not take the five precepts, one is called an upāsaka. If having taken the three refuges one receives and upholds one precept, this is called 'one part.' If having taken the three refuges one receives and upholds two precepts, this is called 'a lesser part.' If having taken the three refuges one receives and upholds one precept and then breaks that one precept, this is called 'no part.' If having taken the three refuges one receives and upholds four precepts, this is called 'a major part.' If having taken the three refuges one receives and upholds five precepts, this is called 'the full part.' Which part do you now wish to receive?" At that time, the wise [preceptor] should confer them as desired. Furthermore, the *Mahāprajñāpāramitā-śāstra* states: "There are five kinds of precepts, beginning from non-killing up to not drinking alcohol. If one receives one precept, this is practice of one part. If one receives two or three precepts, this is called practice of a lesser part. If one receives four precepts, this is called practice of a major part. If one receives five precepts, this is called practice of the full part. As for severing sexual misconduct: after having received the five precepts, before the precept master one makes a further vow: 'From now on, toward my own [wife or husband] I will no longer engage in sexual intercourse.' This is called the five precepts." The *Ekottarika-āgama* also states: "Receiving one part or two parts is permissible." Question: Since gradual reception is permissible, may one receive one each from five separate masters? Answer: As the *Fu fazang jing* states, the venerable Bakkula received merely the single precept against killing living beings, and obtained the retribution of five escapes from death. Question: Is repeated reception permissible? That is, having already received the five precepts, can one at a later time receive them again? Answer: According to the *Tattvasiddhi-śāstra*, one may repeatedly arouse the precepts. Therefore, the *Dharmaguptaka-vinaya* [records that] Queen Mallikā received them facing the Buddha a second and a third time, which was also permissible.