法華義疏 1.259

1.259

二乘但能超凡故但立一名，大士德踰凡聖故有其兩稱。言菩薩者，異彼凡夫，以凡夫不求於道，故非道眾生。摩訶薩者，簡異二乘亦求於小道，今明求於大道故名大眾生。《攝大乘論疏》三義釋之：具般若故名菩薩，具大悲故名摩訶薩；具實慧故名菩薩，具方便慧故名摩訶薩；具智慧故名菩薩，具福德故名摩訶薩。此即內得中道正觀，故依德立中道名也。

The two vehicles are only capable of transcending ordinary beings, so only one name is established for them; great beings' virtue surpasses both ordinary beings and sages, so they have both titles. Calling them "bodhisattvas" distinguishes them from ordinary beings, for ordinary beings do not seek the Way and thus are not "Way sentient beings". Calling them "mahāsattvas" distinguishes them from the two vehicles who also seek a lesser way, whereas here it clarifies that they seek the Great Way, hence they are called "great sentient beings". The commentary on the *Mahāyānasaṃgraha* explains this with three meanings: possessing prajñā, they are called bodhisattvas; possessing great compassion, they are called mahāsattvas. Possessing real wisdom, they are called bodhisattvas; possessing expedient wisdom, they are called mahāsattvas. Possessing wisdom, they are called bodhisattvas; possessing merit, they are called mahāsattvas. This means that internally they have attained the correct contemplation of the Middle Way, and thus their Middle Way name is established according to their virtue.