四分戒本疏卷第一．第二．第三 2.41

2.41

"If a bhikṣu has finished his robes and the kaṭhina robe has been spread, and he spends the night in a different place separated from any one of his three robes, except by a karmavācanā of the Saṅgha, it is a niḥsargika-prāyaścittika." / This full precept text contains six clauses: first, "if a bhikṣu" is the delimitation of the person. Second, "has finished his robes," etc., is the delimitation of the time of the offense. "Of his three robes" is the delimitation of the robes separated from. Fourth, from "separated from any one robe" onward is the delimitation of the mutual separation between person and robe. Fifth, from "except..." onward is the delimitation of the permitted procedure. Sixth, from "niḥsargika" onward is the delimitation of the determination of the offense. / Next, the clauses are explained in detail below. / As for "if a bhikṣu," its meaning is as explained above. / The second clause, "has finished his robes," etc.: leaving aside cases of no offense, there are generally five periods, namely: one night, six nights, one day, and nine days. Among these five categories, the six nights are difficult to clarify; the remaining four categories combine permissions and prohibitions for this precept. The single night is solely prohibited and not permitted; the three items such as one month are permissions extending to the prohibition. / The third clause, "of his three robes," clarifies the robes separated from. First, to distinguish the purpose of keeping the three robes: one explains the meaning of the three robes being proper or improper. The Sarvāstivāda-vinaya-vibhāṣā states: Because of unprecedented dharmas being manifested, one is permitted to keep three robes. The Mahāprajñāpāramitopadeśa states: Because the Buddha's holy disciples abide in the Middle Way, they keep three robes. The Sarvāstivāda-vinaya-vibhāṣā states: One robe cannot ward off cold, but three robes can block cold; one robe cannot provide modesty and shame, but three robes can provide modesty and shame; one robe is unsuitable for entering a village, but three robes are sufficient and adequate for entering a village; one robe cannot produce goodness, but three robes can arouse joy in the minds of others; one robe leaves deportment incomplete, but three robes make deportment pure. For these reasons, one is permitted to keep three robes. / Next, to clarify the propriety or impropriety of the three robes: first, propriety of substance; second, propriety of construction; third, propriety of measurement; fourth, propriety of color. It must fulfill these four criteria before its reception can be accomplished, such that there is the fault of spending the night separated from it. / "Propriety of substance" means that hemp, wool, silk, and cotton are the correct substance for a robe; others are unsuitable. / "Propriety of construction" has four aspects: first, it must be cut in accordance with the Dharma; second, the number of strips must accord with the Dharma; third, the number of layers must be appropriate; fourth, the sewing must accord with the Dharma. Fulfilling these four kinds is called propriety of construction. / "Propriety of measurement" means five cubits long and three cubits wide; if more or less, taking up and holding is not accomplished. / "Propriety of color" means blue, yellow, or mangrove bark color; robes of other colors are unsuitable for taking up and holding, excepting pāṃśukūla robes. / The fourth clause, "spends the night in a different place separated from any one of his three robes," clarifies the meaning of mutual separation and forfeiture. First, to clarify the rule of separation: when person and robe are in different boundaries, it is called "separated"; passing the night is called "spending the night." Here, separation refers to separation from a robe that has been taken up and held; if one is separated from other robes, one incurs only a minor offense.