四分戒本疏卷第一．第二．第三 3.63

3.63

Precept thirty-one: Excessively receiving [food] at a place where a single meal is provided. The intent of the prohibition: a faithful layperson relinquishes household treasures to establish a residence, setting their intention to provide a single meal in order to offer it to the Saṅgha. One ought to measure one's share and receive in accordance with the offering; this demonstrates an inner integrity and frugality, and externally does not burden the donor. Now, staying on without leaving and excessively receiving the other's food fosters greed, burdens others, ruins good deeds, and increases evil; the fault and loss are not light. Therefore the Sage instituted the prohibition. There are five specific conditions: first, an unrelated layperson limits the offering to a single meal; second, knowing that it is limited to a single meal; third, not having the circumstance of being thirty li away, being ill, or not being invited; fourth, excessively receiving the food; fifth, consuming it constitutes the offense. Below, the text of the precept is properly explained. This precept was instituted due to the faults committed by the group of six monks.