法華義疏 12.32

12.32

The preceding two chapters explained the propagation of the sūtra through ascetic practices as possessing the two activities of merit and wisdom; hence there are the two chapters Bhaiṣajyarāja and Gadgadasvara. Now, the second [part] explains the propagation of the sūtra by protecting against difficulties. First, it explains persons protecting against difficulties to propagate the sūtra, and next, it explains the Dharma protecting against difficulties to propagate the sūtra; there are likewise two chapters. Furthermore, as for the sequence of faculties and conditions, eighty-four thousand people in the assembly at Vulture Peak were due to hear of Avalokiteśvara and generate the bodhicitta, hence this chapter was spoken. Second, sentient beings in the lands of the ten directions and future generations who have the conditions were due to receive benefit, hence this chapter was spoken. In dividing the sections and passages of this chapter, scholars differ; now, provisionally, it is divided into four pairs: first, a dual presentation; second, a dual explanation; third, a dual praise; fourth, a dual benefit. Regarding the dual presentation: Avalokiteśvara is the name, and the Universal Gate is the virtue; hence it dually presents name and virtue. An eminent person, for the sake of the principle, has both a name and virtues; therefore both are presented to entitle it the "Universal Gate of Avalokiteśvara Chapter." Regarding the dual explanation: the first question-and-answer explains the name Avalokiteśvara; the next question-and-answer explains Avalokiteśvara's virtues. Regarding the dual praise: Bodhisattva Dharaṇīṃdhara praises that the merits of hearing this name and virtue are boundless. Regarding the dual benefit: eighty-four thousand people, hearing this name and virtue, all generate the aspiration for the Way. The sequence of these four is for the sake of understanding the meaning: the brief comes first and the broad later; hence it first briefly presents and next broadly explains. When presentation and explanation are complete, name and virtue are manifested, hence the bodhisattva praises them. When praise and explanation are complete, the listeners rejoice and look up to them, hence they all generate the aspiration for the Way.