法華經義記 8.98

8.98

此品中明陀羅尼神呪，仍為品目也。明示物軌則中本有三：前三品正明以人為通經軌則也。今此一品是第二意，則明如來說大神呪，獎勸弘經擁護通法大士。今就此品中大判為三段：第一有一番問答，先格量通經人功德；第二「爾時藥王」下又有一番問答，正明五人說神呪擁護弘經人也；第三「說是陀羅尼品」下一行，明時眾得利益也。五人者，第一藥王、第二勇施、第三毘沙門天王、第四持國天王、第五羅剎女。

In this chapter, the dhāraṇī mantras are explained, hence it serves as the chapter title. In explaining and displaying models for sentient beings, there were originally three [parts]: the previous three chapters directly explained taking persons as models for propagating the sūtra. Now, this single chapter represents the second intent, explaining the Tathāgata speaking the great dhāraṇīs to encourage the propagation of the sūtra and protect the great beings who propagate the Dharma. Now, within this chapter it is broadly divided into three sections: first, there is a round of question and answer, first measuring by comparison the merit of the person who propagates the sūtra; second, from "At that time Bhaiṣajyarāja" onwards, there is another round of question and answer, directly explaining five persons speaking dhāraṇīs to protect the person who propagates the sūtra; third, one line below "When this Dhāraṇī Chapter was spoken," explaining the assembly at that time obtaining benefit. The five persons are: first, Bhaiṣajyarāja; second, Pradānaśūra; third, Heavenly King Vaiśravaṇa; fourth, Heavenly King Dhṛtarāṣṭra; fifth, the rākṣasīs.