金剛般若波羅蜜經略疏 1.57

1.57

Regarding the second [part], measuring [merit] to dispel doubts about merit, there are two: first, based on its meaning, it reveals that merit is immeasurable and resolves the first doubt; second, from "The Buddha said: 'Subhūti, if a good man or good woman...'" onward, it reveals that the teaching is superior and its merit immeasurable, which resolves the previous second doubt. This is because although phenomena cannot be grasped or spoken of, their merit is not empty. Therefore the *Treatise* says: "Upholding the Dharma and explaining it / Is not empty of merit; / Merit [alone] does not reach bodhi, / But both together can reach bodhi." What meaning does this verse expound? Upholding and explaining—the two together can reach bodhi; lacking either one, it is not accomplished. The text's phrase "heap of merit" has two kinds of heaps: first, the meaning of accumulation, which is merit belonging to one's own portion; second, the meaning of progressing forward, which is merit belonging to the other portion. Because the meaning of accumulation is one's own portion, it cannot achieve bodhi on its own. What is the heap of merit's second meaning of progressing forward? Because it subsumes the preceding accumulation and can reach great bodhi. The text says, "The Tathāgata speaks of a heap of merit, a heap of merit"; the first heap of merit is the heap of merit of accumulation, and the next heap of merit is the heap of merit of progressing forward. When it says at first, "World-Honored One, this heap of merit," that refers to a single, simple heap of merit.