Upāsaka and upāsikā are the special terms for the Buddhist laymen and laywomen. Together with the monk and nun, they are called the “the fourfold assembly”(cātuṣ-pariṣad) as a whole which all are important components of the Buddhist order. However, there are different views on how to become an upāsaka/upāsikā, whether only taking three refuges is enough, or obeying five precepts is also required and the qualifications of lay followers induced debate among the Buddhists. This article consists of three parts: At first, the living codes of the laity in ancient India are outlined as backgound informations. Secondly, the various Chinese Buddhist translations about the qualifications of being an upāsaka are examined in chronological order and a special section is devoted to the debate aroused. Finally, a multi-faceted comparison is made and some observations are provided, with an eye to deepen our understanding of lay discipline in Buddhism.
