翻譯名義集 1.259

1.259

[Bhikṣu] Ancient masters said that [the grass bhikṣu] contains five meanings: 1. Its substance is soft and pliable, analogizing the renunciant who can subdue coarseness in body and speech; 2. It sends out creeping vines that spread widely, analogizing the renunciant who transmits the Dharma and delivers people in an unbroken succession; 3. Its fragrant scent is smelled afar, analogizing the renunciant whose virtue of precepts is fragrant and renowned among the multitude; 4. It can heal pain, analogizing the renunciant who can sever the toxic harm of defilements; 5. It does not turn its back on the sunlight, analogizing the renunciant who constantly faces the Buddha-sun. The Mahāprajñāpāramitopadeśa says: "Renunciants mostly cultivate wisdom, and wisdom is the cause and condition for liberation. Worldly people mostly cultivate merit, and merit is the cause and condition for happiness." The Mahāsāṃghika-vinaya says: "Making offerings to śarīra and constructing stūpas and monasteries is not our task. The kings and householders of those lands who delight in merit should themselves make offerings. The task of bhikṣus is to compile the Tripiṭaka, so that the Buddha's Dharma will not quickly perish."