釋氏要覽 1.48

1.48

長阿含經云。有三長老。謂耆年長老（年臘多者）。法長老（了達法性內有智德）。作長老（假號之者）○譬喻經偈云。所謂長老者。未必剃鬚髮。雖復年齒長。不免於惡行。若有見諦法。無害於群萌。捨諸穢惡行此名為長老。我今謂長老。未必先出家。修其善本業分別於正行。設有年齒幼。諸根無漏缺。此謂名長老○肇法師云。內有智德可尊故名長老○恩法師云。有長者老年之德名長老。

The *Dīrghāgama* says: "There are three kinds of elders: the elder in age (one with many years and rains retreats), the elder in Dharma (one who thoroughly penetrates the Dharma-nature and internally possesses wisdom and virtue), and the nominal elder (one who merely borrows the title)." A verse in the *Dṛṣṭānta Sūtra* says: / "One who is called an elder / Does not necessarily shave hair and beard; / Though he may be advanced in age, / He is not exempt from evil deeds. / If one sees the Dharma of the truths, / Does not harm living beings, / And abandons all filthy and evil actions, / Such a one is called an elder. / What I now call an elder / Has not necessarily left the household life earlier; / If he cultivates wholesome root activities / And discerns correct conduct, / Even if he is young in years, / His sense faculties complete without lack, / This one is called an elder." / Master Zhao says: "Internally possessing wisdom and virtue that deserve honor; hence he is called an elder." Master En says: "One who possesses the virtues of an elder and old age is called an elder."