四分戒本疏卷第一．第二．第三 3.45

3.45

Precept 22: Preaching the Dharma until Sunset / Regarding the intention behind establishing [this precept]: In general, men and women are distinct and should not dwell in the same place. The movements of the saṅgha must avoid suspicion and contact so as to engender people's faith and reverence. Gathering in groups after sunset leads to suspicion from the outside and allows one's own practice to be corrupted; the fault and harm are not light, which is why the Sage established [this precept]. / There are six specific conditions: first, being selected and deputed by the saṅgha; second, the assembly of nuns being gathered; third, instructing and preaching the Dharma; fourth, sunset; fifth, the perception of sunset; sixth, continuing to preach without stopping, whereupon one commits the offense. Below, the text of the precept is properly explained. This precept arose because Nanda was deputed to instruct the nuns; when sunset came, he had not returned to his own monastery, which drew criticism from the laity. The Buddha thereupon established the precept.