一切經音義 29.59

29.59

Vaiśya (薜舍): The upper character has the fanqie *pí* + *guì* (薜). This is also Sanskrit; this refers to the masters of commerce (merchants). Although they possess great merit and abound in rare treasures, they are unable to master the classic texts. Transporting commodities and pursuing profits are their profession. Because of their extensive hoarding, kings and landowners protect and value them, or confer upon them towns and enfeoffments as elders (*śreṣṭhin*). They are ungenerous, and exegetical explanations often equate their sense with parsimony (恡). It is written with four persons and remaining meat; this is the standard form.