仁王護國般若波羅蜜多經疏 3.11

3.11

Commentary: The opening phrase is a general indication. The next is fully explained in the text. Here in this sūtra the location is not specifically mentioned. As is said in the sixth fascicle, "Chapter on Protecting the State," of the Suvarṇaprabhāsa Sūtra, at that time the Four Heavenly Kings addressed the Buddha, saying: "World-Honored One! In future ages, if there is a human king who, to protect his own person, his queen, concubines, and royal princes, and to ensure that within his state there are no enemies, worries, distress, or calamities—World-Honored One! Such a human king must not be negligent and allow his mind to become distracted. He should first adorn the finest palace chambers that the king prizes and treasures; having manifested and cast off what is coarse, sprinkle the ground with scented water, scatter various famous flowers, arrange an exquisite lion Dharma-throne, and decorate it with various precious jewels." Down to where it says: "At that time, that human king should wear pure, fresh, and spotless garments, adorn himself with various neck-ornaments, personally hold a white parasol along with incense and flowers, fully array the military ceremony, magnificently display music, and walk out of the city gates to approach that Dharma master, exercising devout reverence to perform auspicious deeds." Taking that as a standard for this, the meaning is complete. From here, the second part explains the offering of incense and flowers.