仁王經疏 1.4

1.4

As for stating the intention in speaking the sūtra and its title: on careful examination, the true mark is profound and wondrous, and without the four wisdoms there is no means to realize its source; its contemplation is deep and subtle, and only by relying on the tripiṭaka can its path be opened. Therefore the Dharma King, the Great Sage, marked the central theme with the three prajñās, and […] the great beings expounded the depths through the four siddhāntas; the import of signlessness is truly found herein! However, […] many methods, and entry into the principle is not singular; for the sake of accomplishing the two protections, this sūtra was spoken. The three divisions of preface and so forth briefly state the protocol of various sūtras or the meaning of the eight chapters, extensively revealing the central theme of this sūtra. As for the title stating 'Sūtra of the Benevolent Kings Who Protect Their States, Spoken by the Buddha', this is the general name of the entire work. 'Introductory Chapter, Number One' is the specific designation within the chapters. Although the overall title is one, its meanings are four: its principle must revert to the real, and its intention lies in protecting the state. First, 'Spoken by the Buddha': the requested Dharma King, having perfected enlightenment for himself and others, discloses the wondrous Dharma; hence it is called 'Spoken by the Buddha'. Second, 'Benevolent Kings': the kings of states who are capable of requesting. 'Benevolent' means enduring, tolerantly enduring good and evil. 'King' means going toward, that to which the multitude goes; hence they are named 'benevolent kings'. Third, 'Who Protect Their States': that for the sake of which the discourse is requested. Fourth, 'Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra': discerning the Dharma that is capable of protecting. Prajñā is named wisdom, and pāramitā means reaching the other shore; that is, by the power of wisdom reaching the shore of nirvāṇa. Sūtra is sūtra; here it is translated as 'matching thread' (qijing). 'Matching' means fitting together: it tallies with the principle and matches the capacities of sentient beings. 'Sūtra' also has two meanings: first, stringing together; second, holding together. It strings together dharmalakṣaṇas and holds together sentient beings; hence it is called 'sūtra'. In terms of those who request and that which is requested, and that which protects and that which is protected, it designates the causes of the sūtra. 'Introduction' means the preface, the occasion that gives rise to the principal exposition. 'Chapter' means a class or category, or a category of meaning. Such meanings as 'Thus have I heard' follow one another in category, each subsuming distinct meanings; hence it is called a chapter. Among the eight chapters, this chapter is the very first and is called number one; therefore it is said: