仁王護國般若波羅蜜多經疏 1.6

1.6

將解此經，略啟四門：一敘經起意、二明經宗體、三所攝所被、四正解本文。敘經起意，曲作兩門：初明經起意、後翻譯年代。初中復二：先總、後別。夫諸佛出興，根緣感赴，諸經處會，各對宜聞。今說此經，廣陳二護。十四王等有聖有凡，皆育黎元植菩薩事。此故經云「波斯匿等十六國王，覩希有相，咸作是念：『世尊大慈普皆利樂。我等諸王云何護國？如來大悲平等濟利。』佛言：『善男子！吾今先為諸菩薩等說護佛果、護十地行。』」廣明內護。又〈護國品〉云「一切國土若欲亂時，有諸災難賊來破壞。」廣明外護。備陳二護利樂不斷，說此經矣。

In intending to explain this scripture, four portals are briefly opened: first, recounting the intent behind the scripture's arising; second, clarifying the main theme and essence of the scripture; third, what is subsumed and who is addressed; fourth, properly explaining the text itself. Recounting the intent behind the scripture's arising is subdivided into two portals: first, clarifying the intent behind the scripture's arising; second, the date of translation. The first part is further divided into two: first, general; second, specific. When the buddhas appear, capacities and conditions respond and convene; the occasions and assemblies of the various scriptures each address those for whom it is fitting to hear. Now, in expounding this scripture, the two protections are extensively set forth. The fourteen kings and others include both noble and ordinary beings; all nurture the common folk and plant bodhisattva deeds. Therefore, the scripture states: 'Prasenajit and the other sixteen kings, seeing the rare marks, all had this thought: "The World-Honoured One with great loving-kindness benefits and brings joy to all universally. How are we kings to protect our states? The Tathāgata with great compassion rescues and benefits equally." The Buddha said: "Good sons! I will now first expound for the bodhisattvas the protection of the Buddha fruit and the protection of the practice of the ten bhūmis,"' extensively clarifying the internal protection. Furthermore, the 'Chapter on Protecting the State' says: 'When all lands are about to fall into chaos, there will be various disasters and calamities, and bandits will come to ruin them,' extensively clarifying the external protection. Fully setting forth the two protections so that benefit and joy never cease—for this reason, this scripture was spoken.