仁王護國般若波羅蜜多經疏 3.624

3.624

The third major section clarifies the transmission section. Discerning the reason for its occurrence: above, correct cognition was broadly explained; below, the depth of compassion is revealed. Although the Buddha's cognition and compassion are always uninterrupted, when considered in the sequence of the text, each has a relative prominence, because from this text downward various admonitions are clarified. Explaining the chapter title: "entrust" means committing into custody; "charge" means heavily laying upon; bearing the Buddha's heavy charge is therefore called "entrustment." Moreover, this Dharma is entrusted to the kings, laying upon them the responsibility to propagate it widely so that the lineage of the buddhas will not be severed. Furthermore, prajñā is entrusted to be handed down through successive generations, so that it may eliminate calamities, benefit, and gladden sentient beings. Just as in the *Pañcaviṃśatisāhasrikā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra* it is entrusted to the śrāvakas, and in the *Lotus Sūtra* it is entrusted to the bodhisattvas, the gathering and benefiting accord with capacities and differ respectively. Here, to ensure that the Three Jewels remain long in the world—which cannot be established except by kings—and to fulfill the request of the host of the invocation, it is entrusted to none other [than the kings]. Dividing and explaining the text, it is broadly divided into three sections: first, setting forth the Dharma being entrusted; next, broadly clarifying the various admonitions; and finally, asking the title and putting it into practice. As for the first, the Dharma being entrusted, the text is again divided into two: first, setting forth the time and entrusting the Dharma. What is its meaning?