法華義疏 12.114

12.114

「若有受持」下，第三大段，次辨格量。又開為四：第一、舉持多名問無盡意；第二、奉詶；第三、正格量；第四、結嘆持名。所以有格量來者，時眾疑云：但受持觀音名有此功德，受持餘名亦有斯利？故格量優劣也。又受持觀音與六十二億等，則持多名為難、持一名為易，欲釋成上勸持，故格量也。初問三意：一、辨持多名。「復盡形」下，第二、明時久。「供養」下，明供養廣。次無盡意答，如文。「佛言」下，第三、正格量。又開二別：前明觀音三事：一、持名少；二、時短；三、供養狹。「是二人福」下，第二、正格量。

From “If there is someone who upholds” onward is the third major section, next distinguishing the comparison [of merits]. It is further divided into four: first, raising the upholding of many names to ask Inexhaustible Mind; second, respectfully responding; third, the comparison itself; fourth, concluding praise for upholding the name. The reason why a comparison is introduced is that the assembly at that time wondered: does only upholding the name of Avalokiteśvara have this merit, or does upholding other names also have this benefit? Therefore, it compares their superiority and inferiority. Furthermore, upholding Avalokiteśvara is equal to sixty-two koṭīs [of buddhas]; thus upholding many names is difficult, while upholding a single name is easy. Intending to elucidate and fulfill the preceding exhortation to uphold, it therefore makes the comparison. The initial question has three points: 1. distinguishing the upholding of many names; from “and for the rest of their lives” onward, 2. explaining the long duration of time; from “making offerings” onward, [3.] explaining the vastness of the offerings. Next, Inexhaustible Mind replies, as in the text. From “The Buddha said” onward is, third, the comparison itself. It is again divided into two: first, explaining the three matters concerning Avalokiteśvara: 1. fewness of names upheld; 2. shortness of time; 3. narrowness of offerings; from “The blessings of these two people” onward is, second, the comparison itself.