四分戒本疏卷第一．第二．第三 2.11

2.11

The fifth precept: match-making. 1. The intent behind instituting the rule: The rites of marriage unite samsāric life; they run directly contrary to leaving behind [the world], which is what the homeless life aims for, and severely contravene the standards of the Dharma. Moreover, entangling affairs obstruct cultivation, inviting mutual ridicule and ugliness without escaping worldly censure. Therefore, the Sage instituted the rule. 2. Explaining the name: Plotting and going back and forth for the sake of that man and woman in order to bring about a marriage rite—hence it is called the precept of match-making. 3. Possessing the conditions: General conditions are as above. Specific conditions are six: (1) A human man and woman, excluding non-humans and animals; among humans, high and low, near and distant, all fall within the limit of offenses. The Mātṛkā says: Arranging a marriage for unborn fetuses is a sthūlāccaya. (2) Perceiving them as a human man and woman. (3) Acting for the affair of match-making. (4) The perception of match-making. (5) Manifesting the matter clearly. (6) Receiving their words, etc., and reporting back. 4. Deficiencies in the conditions: Can be known by comparison with what was said. Below, the Prātimokṣa text is directly clarified. This precept was instituted because the monk Kāḷa committed a fault, whereupon the Buddha instituted the rule.