法華經義記 2.7

2.7

"I see in those lands bodhisattvas [numerous as] Ganges sands": below this there are thirty-eight and a half lines of verse, which are the third [part], specifically and extensively reiterating the fifth question on seeing the practice of the bodhisattva great beings of other directions, and the sixth, other-directional Buddhas entering parinirvāṇa and the erection of stūpas and making of offerings. It concisely does not reiterate the fourth, the practice of the persons of the three vehicles. Although the text and lines are concise, in meaning it includes them. How is this known to be so? Simply because in reiterating hearing the Buddha preach the Dharma, since there is the preaching of the Dharma, there must be those who receive and practice it; therefore in meaning it includes the fourth, the receiving and practicing by persons of the three vehicles. Within the thirty-eight and a half lines it is again divided into two: first, thirty-one and a half lines, reiterating the fifth question on the practice of the great beings of other directions; second, from "There are also bodhisattvas who, after the Buddha has passed into extinction" downward, seven lines, reiterating the sixth, matters after the parinirvāṇa of the Buddhas of other directions. Within the thirty-one and a half lines there are three sections of their own: the first single verse first brings forward comprehensively the bodhisattvas practicing the Great Vehicle's practice to make the question; second, from "Some practice giving" downward, there are thirteen lines of verse, bringing forward the essential practices of bodhisattvas to make the question, essential practices being the six perfections; third, from "Again seeing sons of the Buddha endowed with concentration and wisdom" downward, there are seventeen and a half lines, extensively bringing forward the seeing of bodhisattvas' pervasive practices and miscellaneous practices to make the question. Now, within the second [section], the thirteen lines clarifying essential practices, clarifying the six pāramitās makes six sections: from "Some practice giving" downward, six lines clarify giving (dāna), two lines clarify morality (śīla), one line clarifies forbearance (kṣānti), one line clarifies vigor (vīrya), two lines clarify meditation (dhyāna), and one line clarifies wisdom (prajñā). From "Some practice giving" downward there are six lines, which first clarify seeing bodhisattvas practicing the perfection of giving. Next, from "Mañjuśrī, I see kings" downward, two lines clarify the perfection of morality: the first line clarifies the skilful means of attaining the precepts, and the following line formally clarifies attaining the precepts. "Or seeing a bodhisattva who becomes a monk," one verse, clarifies the perfection of forbearance. Others cannot dwell alone, but he can dwell alone—how is this not forbearance? For forbearance has two kinds: first, not becoming angry when struck or reviled, and not retaliating when malice is inflicted; second, renouncing beloved family and kin to dwell in an empty, quiet place, which is also enduring what is difficult to endure; here forbearance takes this as its meaning. Next, "Again seeing bodhisattvas valiant and vigorous," one line, clarifies the perfection of vigor. Next, "Again seeing those who have departed from desire," two verses, clarifies the perfection of meditation: the first verse clarifies concentration and the fruit of concentration—the five supernormal powers being the fruit of meditative concentration—and the following verse clarifies the application of meditative concentration. "Furthermore, seeing bodhisattvas whose wisdom is profound and whose will is firm," one verse, clarifies the perfection of wisdom.