仁王護國般若波羅蜜多經疏 3.21

3.21

Commentary: "Practicing in accordance with the Dharma" means that relying on the previously mentioned principle and phenomena, one should practice as taught; for when one takes medicine, the disease is cured—the principle is inevitably so. If we observe the immediate events to speak briefly of them: in the fourth month of last year, the translation of the sūtra was completed within the palace; our sovereign of utmost virtue upheld, read, and listened to it. When it came to the ninth month, the sūtra was expounded on one hundred seats. The autumn rains cleared, and auspicious clouds filled the sky; from the hour of the Rabbit to that of the Monkey, in an instant there were ten thousand transformations. The Inspector of the Armies and the Prime Minister, along with the various officials, with troops and horses filling the suburbs and the whole city pouring out to gaze freely, either bowed or leaped for joy, tears falling like rain. On the second day of that month, the gracious imperial edict stated: "The master has long planted the sprout of wisdom and hung high the mirror of the mind, opening the secret storehouse of the Dharma King and expounding the profound words from the golden mouth, transmitted across the three times, with the four modes of birth relying on them. The Dao accords with the true sages, and the principle harmonizes with heaven and humanity; the persistent rains have dispersed their gloom, and auspicious clouds spread their radiance. By this power of spiritual resonance, court and country rejoice together. Feeling inadequate in promoting it, we thereby increase our sincere reverence." In the last ten days of that month, the western Rong and northern Di gathered like ants at the royal capital; yet without troubling powerful armies, the barbarian hordes broke apart and scattered. Had it not been for the enlightened sovereign's supreme faith and the ministers' utmost loyalty, practicing above and transforming below, stirring like thunder and moving like clouds, with the pure sincerity of both clerics and laity, who could have brought about such an occurrence? How could the title of the Hall of the Good Dharma be in vain! Ashamed of lacking literary skill, I have nonetheless recounted it. From here, the second part explains eliminating calamities. In this there are two: first, explaining the elimination of calamities; second, explaining the fulfillment of what is sought. The first, eliminating calamities, is divided into two: 1. explaining the various calamities; 2. explaining the cessation of calamities. The first, explaining calamities, is divided into three: 1. explaining the protection by spirits; 2. explaining death and destruction; 3. listing the various calamities. First, the primary part explains protection by spirits.