法苑珠林 93.9

93.9

Commentary: This second [perspective] is stated according to the definitive truth: not violating precepts, whether light or heavy, is truly called upholding precepts. Therefore the Great Sage knows the proper times, weighs the capacities [of beings], and understands when to open or close [the precepts]. When opening, he relaxes the prohibition, weighing the pros and cons in advance according to the occasion. Just as King Prasenajit wished to kill the kitchen supervisor and the prince wished to harm his father, in these cases, through liquor they forgot their anger, preserved lives, and avoided great guilt; by using a light offense to escape a heavy one, they did not suffer cumulative disasters. However, it is not that there is no fault in drinking liquor or retribution of guilt in the future. One must not, seeing the previous opening, indiscriminately follow suit and universally violate [the precept]. Each person must weigh the intent of the teaching, and also examine whether the virtues of one's own conduct are superior or inferior, and whether one is counted among the sages. The circumstances under which the prohibitions were relaxed for King Prasenajit and Mallikā were not identical [to ordinary situations]. Thus one must rely on the scriptures and not violate even the slightest bit; this is the most sublime. Therefore the Sifen lü says: 'Those who are my disciples shall not even use the tip of a blade of grass to drip liquor into their mouths, how much less drink a lot.' For this reason, with each swallow a pātayantikā is incurred.