法華經義記 8.70

8.70

此品第二正明如來以經付囑時眾，因名品目也。此品中大分為三段：第一正明如來以經付囑，第二明時眾即受付囑，第三明如來示付囑事畢相也。又此三段中各有三。正付中有三者：第一正明以經付也；第二釋付囑之意，從「所以者何」是也；第三結付囑，從「汝等亦應」下是也。「時諸菩薩」此下是第二受付囑，亦有三者：第一先明內心歡喜；第二從「益加恭敬」下明外形致敬；第三「俱發聲言」下正明受付囑也。「爾時釋迦」此下是第三段，示付囑事畢之相，亦有三者：第一先唱分身諸佛各隨所安也；第二還閉多寶佛塔，從「多寶」下是也；第三明大眾歡喜，從「說是語時」下是也。

This chapter is the second [major division], properly clarifying that the Tathāgata entrusts the sūtra to the assembly present, hence providing the chapter title. This chapter is broadly divided into three sections: first, properly clarifying that the Tathāgata entrusts the sūtra; second, clarifying that the assembly present immediately receives the entrustment; third, clarifying that the Tathāgata displays the signs that the matter of entrustment is completed. Furthermore, within these three sections each has three subdivisions. Within the proper entrustment there are three: first, properly clarifying the entrustment with the sūtra; second, explaining the intent of the entrustment, from 'what is the reason?'; third, concluding the entrustment, from 'you all should also' downward. From 'At that time, the bodhisattvas' downward is the second, receiving the entrustment, which also has three: first, clarifying inner joy of mind; second, from 'increasing their respect' downward, clarifying the outward physical expression of veneration; third, from 'all together voiced the words' downward, properly clarifying the reception of the entrustment. From 'At that time Śākya[muni]' downward is the third section, displaying the signs that the matter of entrustment is completed, which also has three: first, proclaiming that the emanation Buddhas should each return to their place of ease; second, closing again the Prabhūtaratna Buddha Stūpa, from 'Prabhūtaratna' downward; third, clarifying the great assembly's joy, from 'when these words were spoken' downward.