法苑珠林 90.28

90.28

Furthermore, the Saddharmasmṛtyupasthāna-sūtra states: "That wicked bhikṣu displays an appearance of observing the precepts, causing that dānapati to feel faith and reverence; thereupon, together with his companions, he repeatedly goes to that dānapati's house. Such a bhikṣu, following what little of the Buddha's Dharma he has heard and understood, joins with his companions to preach the Dharma he knows to that dānapati. Using such expedients, he desires that the dānapati redirect the gains and offerings meant for other bhikṣus and bestow them upon himself. Such a bhikṣu, though having the outward form of a śramaṇa, is the foremost great thief; arriving at the dānapati's house, he uses expedients to rob others of their wealth, profit, and offerings. When such a bhikṣu sees another's wealth, profit, and offerings, he gives rise to craving and jealousy, not for a moment, not even for the blink of an eye, performing good dharmas. That wicked bhikṣu, a precept-breaking śramaṇa, abandons practices such as seated meditation and recitation; there is not a single thought-moment in which he is not subsumed by hell, hungry ghosts, and animals." Relying on this textual evidence, craving gain brings suffering; one must not display an appearance of goodness to seek fame and gain. Therefore, even if renunciants are able to keep the precepts, if they do not understand the meaning of the scriptures, they may not necessarily sever afflictions. Because they do not contemplate the principle and do not sever the fetters, they frequently display an appearance of goodness and consider themselves superior to others. Even if they hear a person of superior wisdom speak of true non-self, they will not faithfully accept it, saying it is not the correct principle. Because of this, they slander the Dharma and practitioners of the Path, increasing their pride of self, and at death fall into hell. Therefore, even if foolish people rely on the precepts, because they lack the qualities of the Path, they frequently commit sinful deeds.