仁王護國般若經疏 5.6

5.6

From "the Buddha told" below, the third major section is the Tathāgata's affirmation and confirmation. The text has two [parts]: first, he praises the one who is able to speak; later, he praises what was spoken. The first text has two [parts]: first, direct praise; later, supportive praise. The first text has two [parts]: first, he addresses the assembly. Addressing those who had truly attained the fruits of the Way was done because those of provisional practice naturally knew Candraprabha's original and trace, whereas those of real [attainment] did not know it, so he told them. From "good sons, this Candraprabha" below, the second [part] reveals the trace. Formerly, in the presence of Prabhāketu (Dragon Light), he was a Flame-Wisdom bodhisattva of the fourth abode, while I was an Equal Contemplation bodhisattva of the eighth [abode]. Now that I have attained buddhahood, Candraprabha is a Dharma-Cloud bodhisattva. How is this known? A lion's roar is called a definitive exposition; if one were not of the tenth bhūmi, one could not be equal to it. Moreover, the Vimalakīrtinirdeśa praises tenth-bhūmi bodhisattvas, saying: "Able to roar the lion's roar, their names are heard throughout the ten directions." From "Thus it is, thus it is" below, the second [part] is supportive praise. First, he praises his superior understanding. The teaching spoken by the king matches the principle explained; teaching and principle correspond to each other, hence he says "thus it is" twice. From the ninth bhūmi down, it cannot be conceived by the mind nor discussed by the mouth. Next, clarifying the understanding of prajñā, it says: "Only a buddha together with a buddha can know this matter." Some versions of the sūtra have "by means of a buddha (以佛)," which is incorrect. Only you understand this, thereby equaling the buddha-stage, not asking such questions for the sake of bodhisattvas.