四分戒本疏卷第一．第二．第三 3.110

3.110

Precept 55: On frightening a bhikṣu. The intention behind the enactment is: in general, those who have gone forth must support and protect one another, not troubling or disturbing each other. Now, mutually frightening one another by means of matters of the six sense objects causes the other person to be alarmed and terrified, neglecting the cultivation of their proper practice. The disturbance caused by this matter is exceedingly deep, so it had to be prohibited and ended. There are five specific conditions: 1. a great bhikṣu; 2. having the intention to frighten; 3. demonstrating each of the matters of the six sense objects one by one; 4. the words are distinct; 5. the previous person sees, hears, touches, or perceives it, whereupon the offense is committed. Below, the text of the precept is properly explained. This precept arose because Nāgapāla put on a skin cloak inside out, intending to frighten the Buddha into returning into his room. The Buddha then rebuked him and enacted this precept.