仁王般若經疏 1.86

1.86

From "The Buddha then, knowing the time" downward is the seventh [part] within the introductory section of the time of expounding the sūtra, clarifying the division of the Tathāgata arising from samādhi. "Knowing the time" means the time when the Mahāyāna Dharma could be expounded. "Grasping the faculties of sentient beings" means knowing that the capacities of living beings were mature. "Immediately arose from samādhi" clarifies that the Tathāgata had thoroughly penetrated dependent origination and skillfully recognized the capacities of living beings, and wished to manifest great functioning, which is why he arose. The Tathāgata benefits beings through the three actions: above, clarifying the emission of light and raining down flowers, this is benefiting beings through physical action; from the "Chapter on Contemplating Emptiness" downward, uttering sound and delivering instruction, this clarifies benefiting beings through verbal action. Body and speech are not solitary; they necessarily combine with mental action. The hidden assistance of mental action, such as shaking the earth, is benefiting beings through mental action. Intending to manifest verbal action, he therefore emerged from samādhi. "Sat squarely on the lotus lion throne": a lotus is soft and delicate; he wished to manifest a marvelous appearance. As for the lion throne, as the Commentary says: "It is not a real lion, nor is it a lion of wood or stone. Because the Tathāgata is the lion among humans, wherever he sits, whether seat or couch, is called a lion [throne]." "Like the king of vajra mountains": just as Mount Sumeru rests securely in the great ocean, unmoved by the four winds, it symbolizes that the Tathāgata's wisdom rests securely in the empty space of dharmatā, unmoved by the four kinds of heterodox teachers; hence it is called the king of vajra mountains. As for "the great assembly rejoiced, and each manifested immeasurable supernatural powers": above, seeing the Tathāgata enter samādhi and extensively manifest supernatural powers, their feelings of doubt were unresolved, so they did not rejoice; now seeing him emerge from samādhi and sit on the lion throne about to expound the Dharma, resolving our doubts and producing our understanding, the depth of rejoicing in benefit is called rejoicing. "Dwelling as a great assembly on the ground and in empty space": those with supernatural powers stayed in the air, while those without supernatural powers were on the ground.