釋氏要覽 1.431

1.431

The Vinaya says: Food for sentient beings is for the Mother of Demon Children (Hārītī). The Vinaya says: When Mother Hārītī sought her beloved child, the Buddha administered the three refuges and the five precepts to her. She then said to the Buddha: 'What shall I eat from now on?' The Buddha said: 'Do not worry. In Jambudvīpa, my disciples will, at each meal, set aside food for sentient beings to offer you, causing you all to be fully satisfied.' / The Chao says: Setting aside food may be arranged at one's discretion before or after serving the offerings equally. Now considering this: only if the food is made of rice or flour may it be set aside. Vegetables should not be used, because that class of beings does not eat them, and it turns out to be wasted. As the Aidao jing says: Set aside a cake the size of a fingernail. Furthermore, the verse for setting aside food says: / 'You hosts of spirits and ghosts, / I now offer you this food. / Seven grains pervade the ten directions; / may all spirits and ghosts share it.' / (When setting aside food, silently recite this verse).