金剛經纂要刊定記 5.99

5.99

[The commentary] states, "Renouncing the body..." This explains the reasons for weeping. There are three meanings: First, grieving that those who renounce their bodies do so in vain. The meaning is: sacrificing lives [equal to] the sands of the river is inferior to upholding and explaining; failing to grasp the profound principle, they toil without merit. Second, lamenting that in past kalpas he did not encounter it. The meaning is: not hearing it while an ordinary person was fitting for his status, but even after ascending to the noble fruit he still had not heard it. Third, rejoicing that he now gets to hear it, his extreme joy turning into sorrow. Hearing the profound Dharma for the first time was beyond Subhūti's original expectation; his tears flowed copiously to express his supreme joy. Here in this commentary, it provisionally clarifies the first of these.