法華義疏 9.239

9.239

「於時下方」，第二、歎經廣大力。又有七句：一、智積請多寶還本土，發起論端。「佛告智積」下，第二、釋迦止請也。「爾時文殊」下，第三、明文殊來。〈序品〉文殊在座，今品稱從海宮來者，據事而言，例如《涅槃》，文殊初雖在席，尋與純陀相隨而去，至〈大眾問品〉與純陀共來，今亦然也。初分開經既竟，或可往海宮化道；今欲讚經功能及問安樂行，故復來也。據理而談者，文殊本停鷲嶺，而忽在龍宮，可謂雖去而住、不往而來也。「智積問文殊」下，第四、正問也。「文殊師利」下，第五、答。初明文殊化直往菩薩；「本聲聞人」下，明化迴小入大菩薩。「爾時智積」下，第六、智積稱歎也。「文殊師利言」下，第七、推功歸於《法華》，即是讚歎經力。

From "At that time from the lower region" onward is the second: praising the sūtra's vast and great power. This also has seven clauses: first, Prajñākūṭa requests Prabhūtaratna to return to his original land, initiating the discussion. From "The Buddha told Prajñākūṭa" onward is the second: Śākyamuni halts the request. From "At that time Mañjuśrī" onward is the third: explaining Mañjuśrī's arrival. In the Introductory Chapter Mañjuśrī was present in the assembly; the present chapter states he comes from the palace in the ocean. Speaking in terms of phenomenal events, it is like the *Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra*: although Mañjuśrī was initially in the assembly, he soon departed accompanying Cunda, and upon reaching the "Assembly's Inquiries Chapter" he returned together with Cunda; here it is also like this. After the opening of the sūtra in the initial section was completed, he perhaps went to the palace in the ocean to convert and guide beings; now, wishing to praise the sūtra's efficacy and inquire about the peaceful practices, he returns once more. Speaking in terms of principle, Mañjuśrī fundamentally abides on Vulture Peak, yet suddenly appears in the dragon palace; it may be said that although he departs, he abides, and without going, he comes. From "Prajñākūṭa asked Mañjuśrī" onward is the fourth: the direct question. From "Mañjuśrī" onward is the fifth: the reply. It first explains Mañjuśrī converting direct-advancing bodhisattvas; from "Former śrāvakas" onward, it explains converting bodhisattvas who turn from the Lesser to enter the Greater. From "At that time Prajñākūṭa" onward is the sixth: Prajñākūṭa's praise. From "Mañjuśrī said" onward is the seventh: attributing the merit to the Lotus Sūtra, which is precisely praising the power of the sūtra.