四分戒本疏卷第一．第二．第三 2.91

2.91

The Precept against Seeking a Rains-Robe Before the Time and Using It Before the Time (the twenty-seventh). These two precepts are formulated together. According to the Sarvāstivāda-vinaya-vibhāṣā, both seeking before the time and using before the time are niḥsargika. Why are seeking and using before the time not permitted? This rains-robe is an essential item for sustaining the body; therefore, it is permitted to be begged and used during its proper season. Now, when the season has not yet arrived, begging and using it beforehand increases one's greed and violates the noble teachings; therefore the Noble One formulated [the precept]. The specific conditions for seeking before the time are five: first, it is a rains-robe; second, seeking it before the time; third, doing so for oneself; fourth, the other gives it; fifth, accepting it, whereupon the offense is incurred. The precept against using it before the time possesses four specific conditions: first, it is one's own rains-robe; second, obtaining it out of season; third, formally resolving upon it before the season; fourth, using it before the time, incurring the offense. Because both precepts concern the rains-robe and their meanings permit them to give rise to offenses mutually dependent on each other, they are formulated together. The following directly explains the text of the precept. This precept arose because the group of six bhikṣus constantly sought rains-robes; the Buddha then formulated the precept.