仁王護國般若波羅蜜多經疏 3.7

3.7

Commentary: Regarding "all states": this refers to the sixteen states, said to be "all" in address to the kings and others. Moreover, not only this: throughout the great and small states of Jambudvīpa, wherever the teaching reaches, that is "all". If we speak of "all" in terms of where the teaching reaches, then in the three continents of humans, wherever the supreme teaching reaches is also "all". Wherever the supreme teaching reaches in the heavenly palaces and dragon palaces is also "all". Even so, there is no error, because compassion is limitless, because the teaching will inevitably reach that assembly who heard it together, and because all places where the teaching reaches—whether present or future—are "all". Were it not so, would the Great Tang not be protected? Regarding "on the verge of chaos": this points out the time of protection. That the state's borders are peaceful and tranquil has already clarified constant protection; if there are calamities, this points out the time of seeking protection. Regarding "there are calamities": calamities refers to the three calamities, as stated in the *Abhidharmanyāyānusāra* cited earlier: the calamities of weapons, epidemics, and famine. Those lesser three calamities occur at the end of an antarakalpa; premonitory signs that resemble them are also calamities. Calamities (nan) refers to the seven calamities, which will be clarified below. Regarding "thieves come to destroy them": this explains the characteristics of calamities. Hereafter is the third part, clarifying the receiving and upholding of the sūtra. What is its meaning?