翻譯名義集 7.30

7.30

【Khakkara】 Here translated as sounding staff, because when shaken it makes a *xixi* sound. The *Sarvāstivāda-vinaya* names it 'sounding staff'; the *Khakkara-sūtra* also names it 'wisdom staff'. It is also named 'virtue staff', because it manifests the merit of wise practice. It is the insignia of holy ones, the distinct mark of worthy men, and the banner of the Path and Dharma. The *Mūlasarvāstivāda-vinaya-kṣudrakavastu* says: "When bhikṣus went begging for food, they entered deep into the houses of elders, thereby incurring ridicule and slander. The bhikṣus reported this to the Buddha. The Buddha said: 'You may make a sound to alert them.' They then made loud shouting sounds (*he-he*), creating a commotion, and again incurred ridicule and censure. The Buddha forbade it, so they knocked on the doors with their fists. The householders asked in surprise: 'Why are you breaking down my door?' They remained silent without an answer. The Buddha said: 'You should make a khakkara.' The bhikṣus did not understand. The Buddha said: 'Attach a ring to the top of the staff round like the rim of a cup, and attach small rings to it, shaking it to make a sound to alert them. Shake it once or twice; if no one hears, you must walk away.'" The *Treatise of Five Hundred Questions* says holding a khakkara has many functions, able to warn away noxious insects and venomous beasts. Yijing says: "The khakkara has three parts in all: the upper part is pewter, the middle is wood, and the lower is ivory or horn. If it has two prongs and six rings, it was instituted by Kāśyapa Buddha; if four prongs and twelve rings, it was instituted by Śākyamuni Buddha." Dhyāna Master Sengchou of the Qi, while at Mount Wangwu in Huaizhou, heard tigers fighting and used his khakkara to separate them. Thereupon he composed a verse: "Originally I never sought fame, / Yet fame forcefully pursued me; / Before the cliff I parted two tigers, / Obstructing the third fruit." Also, Deng Yinfeng flew his khakkara into the air, resolving a conflict between two armies.