仁王護國般若波羅蜜多經疏 1.6

1.6

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.