釋氏要覽 2.78

2.78

In Sanskrit it is called khakkhara; here it is translated as 'tin staff' (xīzhàng), because when shaken it makes a clinking sound. The Ten-Recitation Vinaya calls it a 'sound staff.' The Khakkhara Sūtra says: The Buddha addressed the monks, "You should receive and hold the khakkhara. Why? Because all Buddhas of the past, future, and present hold it. It is also called the staff of wisdom, and called the staff of virtue, because it displays the root of wisdom, conduct, and merit. It is the insignia of sages, the clear mark of the worthy, and the banner of the Dharma of the Way." Kāśyapa said to the Buddha, "Why is it named khakkhara (xīzhàng)?" The Buddha said: "Xī means light: relying on this staff, one eliminates afflictions and escapes the three realms. Xī means bright: because one attains the illumination of wisdom. Xī means awake: awakening to suffering, emptiness, and the bondages of the three realms. Xī means distant: meaning that the holder becomes distant from and severs the five desires. If it has two prongs and six rings, it was instituted by Kāśyapa Buddha. If it has four prongs and twelve rings, it was instituted by Śākyamuni Buddha." (That sūtra extensively glosses the names and explains the sections, symbolic dharmas, and merits of holding it; because the text is lengthy, it is not recorded here; it is in case 'Ding'). The Scripture on the Three Thousand Dignities says: Holding the staff, one must not enter the assembly. After midday, one must no longer hold it. (Knowing it is midday), one must not carry it on one's shoulder. The Five Hundred Questions says: Holding the staff has many purposes; it can alert noxious insects and poisonous beasts.