金剛般若波羅蜜經略疏 1.78

1.78

That the preceding text has four phrases and the subsequent text has five phrases can be understood. Question: What is the difference between the comparison in this section and the comparison after removing doubt earlier? The Treatise itself explains: earlier, using the metaphor of the great trichiliocosm, it clarified that the merit is vast; now it speaks anew of immeasurable trichiliocosms, multiplying that earlier [comparison] many times over. The reason it multiplies the earlier [merit] is in order to gradually transform sentient beings and cause them to produce profound faith. Furthermore, the earlier resolution of doubt had not yet extinguished marks, so it was a lesser comparison; now, extinguishing marks, one attains great bodhi, and because the merit is superior, it is a greater comparison.