釋氏要覽 2.94

2.94

The Daśādhyāya-vinaya says: 'The Buddha permitted the keeping of staffs. Its ferrule is made of iron for sturdiness.' This is indeed a good aid for travelling. (Saying that the ferrule is made of iron refers to a small walking staff, not the large ones carried today for robes and bowls.) The Vinaya says: 'The Buddha permitted the keeping of walking staffs for two reasons: first, on account of being old, emaciated, and lacking strength; second, on account of being beset by the torment of illness.' ○ When Emperor Yang of the Sui was Prince of Jin, he sent Chan Master Fazang an immortal-longevity cane, writing in a letter: 'Whenever you use this staff, grant me your remembrance.' (Leaning on a staff entails etiquette. The Lüshi Chunqiu says: 'The disciples of Confucius held their staffs to their chests when inquiring of their fathers, leaned on their staffs when inquiring of brothers, and trailed their staffs when inquiring of wives and children.' This marks the distinction between the venerated and the lowly. Whenever leaning on a staff, if one meets an elder or the two masters, one must cast the staff to the ground and pay respects. Or if it is the staff of the two masters, it must be set leaning against something, and then one pays respects. If carrying a staff for the two masters, and the master turns to inquire, one must hold the staff to the chest while answering him.)