仁王般若經疏 3.4

3.4

問：何故弘此經能護國土？答：其意眾多，今略明三義，故能護國土。一者般若是佛母，能生諸佛，今弘宣般若，稱可佛心，為佛神通之所擁護，能使七難不生，萬民安樂。二者大乘經是菩薩所學，由講此經，十方菩薩雲集此土聽受大乘，以菩薩神通大故，能令七難不起。三者此大乘經是十方護法天龍鬼神等之所愛敬，由講此經，天龍神等悉來聽法，擁護國土，能除七難災障不起，故能護國也。

Question: Why is it that propagating this sūtra is able to protect the state? Answer: The reasons are manifold; now three points are briefly clarified why it can protect the state. First, prajñā is the mother of the Buddhas, capable of giving birth to all Buddhas. Now, by propagating prajñā, one accords with the Buddha's mind and is protected by the Buddha's supernatural powers, which can prevent the seven calamities from arising and bring peace and joy to the myriad people. Second, Mahāyāna sūtras are what bodhisattvas study. Due to the preaching of this sūtra, bodhisattvas of the ten directions gather like clouds in this land to hear and receive the Great Vehicle; because the supernatural powers of the bodhisattvas are vast, they can prevent the seven calamities from arising. Third, this Mahāyāna sūtra is cherished and revered by the Dharma-protecting devas, dragons, ghosts, and spirits of the ten directions. Due to the preaching of this sūtra, the devas, dragons, spirits, and the like all come to listen to the Dharma and protect the state, being able to eliminate the seven calamities and prevent disasters and obstructions from arising; therefore it can protect the state.