分別功德論 2.10

2.10

Regarding 'one should mindfully venerate the Dharma': in the verse above, the Tripiṭaka and the four Āgamas have already been distinguished. In the prose it is also said that within a single verse all the dharmas of the Tripiṭaka can be contained, so how could the Ekottar[āgama] not contain all dharmas? Why is there another verse explanation like this? It is because the devaputras had the thought in their minds: 'Can Ānanda not compose verses to expound the Dharma? Why does he again give this casual explanation?' Knowing what was in the minds of the devaputras, Ānanda said to them: 'Even if the sūtras carried by eighty-four thousand elephants were all to be composed into verse, I could compose them all into verse.' How much less could Ānanda be unable to compose this small Dharma? Desiring to suit the wishes of the devas, he again expounded the dharmas in verse, encouraging the devas and sharp-facultied sentient beings who ought to gain understanding upon hearing the verse. The Dharma is precisely that of the previous chapter: 'To avoid all evil, to cultivate all good, to purify one's own mind—this is the teaching of the Buddhas.' It means that this Dharma can accomplish the three vehicles, sever the three bad destinies, fulfill all fruits, and receive retribution in both lives. Because capacities have superior and inferior qualities, he devised methods to guide them forward. The verse says: 'The highest uphold the Tripiṭaka; next are the four Āgamas; or if one can receive the Vinaya Piṭaka, that is the Tathāgata's treasure.' The reason it is called a treasure is like a king having a treasure storehouse that he does not let outsiders know of; only inner ministers who are of one mind with the king are made to manage it. The Vinaya is also like this: only if one can uphold the two hundred and fifty and the five hundred rules is it conferred upon that person; it must not be put on display for external laymen and laywomen to view, hence the comparison to a royal treasure. If one's strength does not reach the two Piṭakas, but one only upholds the Abhidharma, one can subdue non-Buddhists, and of the ninety-six paths none will fail to return to the source. Why? This incomparable, wondrous wisdom can resolve subtle blockages above and make them clear and upright. Even if one abides for a kalpa with five superknowledges, one has not escaped being controlled by the four floods; therefore, those of external teachings dare not pry into it. Ānanda chanting these ten verses of wondrous encouragement was precisely for these thirty thousand devas and humans.