大般若波羅蜜多經般若理趣分述讚 2.23

2.23

述曰：此指例也。劫者，時分。菩薩修因，時行並大，故讚功德經劫不窮。謂轉法輪無生忍等，恐文繁廣故例指也。何故須讚菩薩功德？為捨眾生輕慢心故。有作是言：諸聲聞眾久修梵行，諸菩薩眾應當敬禮。又令眾生起淨心故。菩薩尚有如是功德，何況如來。故諸有情至心歸禮，竝願速證。

The Explanation says: This is the general indication by analogy. 'Kalpa' is a measure of time. When bodhisattvas cultivate the cause, both the time and the practice are vast; therefore, praising their virtues cannot be exhausted even through kalpas. This refers to turning the wheel of Dharma, the patience with non-arising, and so forth; fearing that the text would become overly voluminous, it merely makes an indication by analogy. Why is it necessary to praise the virtues of bodhisattvas? In order to eliminate the condescending minds of sentient beings. Some make this statement: 'The assemblies of śrāvakas have cultivated pure conduct for a long time; the assemblies of bodhisattvas ought to pay homage to them.' It is also to cause sentient beings to give rise to a pure mind: if even bodhisattvas possess such virtues, how much more so the Tathāgata! Therefore, sentient beings take refuge and pay homage with a sincere heart, and universally vow to swiftly realize it.