妙法蓮華經玄義 6.4

6.4

機有三義：一者、機是微義。故《易》云：「機者，動之微，吉之先現。」又《阿含》云：「眾生有善法之機，聖人來應也。」眾生有將生之善，此善微微將動，而得為機。若將生善為機，此結為促；今明可生之善，此語則寬。如弩有可發之機，故射者發之，發之則箭動，不發則不前；眾生有可生之善，故聖應則善生，不應則不生。故言機者微也。二者、《古注楞伽經》云：「機是關義。」何者？眾生有善有惡，關聖慈悲，故機是關義也。三者、機是宜義。如欲拔無明之苦，正宜於悲；欲與法性之樂，正宜於慈，故機是宜義也。

Capacity has three meanings: First, capacity has the meaning of 'subtle'. Thus the Yijing says: 'The incipient is the subtlety of movement, the first manifestation of good fortune.' Furthermore, the Āgama says: 'Sentient beings have the capacity for good dharmas, and the sage comes to respond.' Sentient beings have good that is about to arise; when this good is subtle and about to stir, it can serve as a capacity. If one takes the good about to arise as the capacity, this formulation is narrow; now, explaining it as good that is capable of arising makes the phrasing broad. Just as a crossbow has a trigger that is capable of being released, so the archer releases it; when released, the arrow moves, but if not released, it does not advance. Sentient beings have good that is capable of arising; thus, when the sage responds, the good arises, but if he does not respond, it does not arise. Therefore it is said that capacity means subtle. Second, the Old Commentary on the Laṅkāvatāra-sūtra says: 'Capacity has the meaning of concern/connection.' Why? Sentient beings have good and evil, which concern the sage's compassion; therefore capacity has the meaning of concern/connection. Third, capacity has the meaning of 'suitability'. For example, when one wishes to pull out the suffering of fundamental ignorance, it is precisely compassion that is suitable; when one wishes to bestow the joy of dharma-nature, it is precisely loving-kindness that is suitable. Therefore capacity has the meaning of suitability.