No. 678-A梵網經菩薩心地品戒疏(并序)
天台 智者大師 疏
Tiantai Master Zhiyi's Commentary
門人 灌頂 錄
Recorded by Disciple Guanding
菩薩戒者運善之初章却惡之前陣直道而歸生源可盡聲聞小行尚自珍敬木叉大士兼懷寧不精持戒品內外二塗咸皆敬奉王家庶眾委質䖍恭斯乃趣極果之勝因結道場之妙業然經論所載戒相自有於多種記傳所辯受法不無同異良以機悟偏圓宜聞詳略辭無雙舉事不並行今謹案什師所述法相出自梵網經律藏品什師秦弘始三年來達漢境光顯大乘匡維聖教傳譯經論三百餘卷梵網一本最後誦出誓願弘宣是故殷勤一言三復特為文義幽隱有趣深玄所以指掌曉示令後生取悟為易經稱梵網者欲明諸佛教法不同猶如梵王網目品言心地者菩薩律藏徧防三業心識意體一名異三業之中意業為主身口居次據勝為論故言心地也。
The Bodhisattva Precepts are the first step toward goodness, the front line against evil. They are the direct path to return to the source of life. Even practitioners of the Lesser Vehicle—those of humble attainments—cherish and respect their discipline (Vinaya). How much more so should Bodhisattvas, who harbor great compassion, diligently uphold these precepts? The rules of conduct are revered and honored by both monastics and laypeople alike, and are faithfully observed by royalty and commoners. They are the supreme cause for attaining the ultimate fruit, the wondrous karma that forms the foundation of enlightenment.
However, the precept codes recorded in the scriptures come in many forms, and the methods of receiving them described in commentaries are not without differences. This is because beings' capacities for understanding vary—some are sharp, others dull—and teachings are given in detail or brevity accordingly. Words cannot simultaneously convey both aspects; practices cannot be carried out in parallel.
Now, following the exposition of Master Kumārajīva, the principles and forms are derived from the *Brahmā Net Sūtra* and the *Vinaya Treasury*. Master Kumārajīva arrived in the land of Han in the third year of the Qin Hongshi era (401 CE), propagating the Great Vehicle, upholding the sacred teachings, and translating over three hundred scrolls of scriptures and treatises. The *Brahmā Net Sūtra* was the last text he recited and translated, and he vowed to widely disseminate it. Therefore, he earnestly expounded it, repeating each phrase three times. As its text is profound and subtle, rich in deep meaning, he clarified it point by point to make it easy for later generations to awaken and understand.
The scripture is called "Brahmā Net" to illustrate that the various teachings of the Buddhas, though diverse, are like the net of the god Brahmā—its meshes are interconnected. The chapter on "Mind Ground" (Citta-bhūmi) indicates that the Bodhisattva Vinaya comprehensively guards against the three actions (body, speech, and mind). Mind, consciousness, and intention are different names for the same essence. Among the three actions, mind-action is foremost, with body and speech secondary. Thus, it is called "Mind Ground" to emphasize the primary factor.