妙法蓮華經玄贊 1.48

1.48

There are three reasons: First, to show that he does not contradict worldly convention; although the essential doctrine reveals the real, the phrasing does not contradict the conventional, and although the principle reveals the subtle, the speech does not contradict the coarse, wishing to show that ultimate truth is not apart from conventional truth. Second, "I" has the meaning of sovereign mastery. The Transmission of the Compilation of the Dharma states: "There are three Ānandas: First, Ānanda, translated as 'Joyous Celebration', who upheld the Śrāvaka Piṭaka. Second, Ānandabhadra, translated as 'Joyous Worthy', who upheld the Pratyekabuddha Piṭaka. Third, Ānandasāgara, translated as 'Joyous Ocean', who upheld the Bodhisattva Piṭaka. Yet they are just one person, with different names according to his virtues." Because this Ānanda was widely learned, retained what he heard, and had accumulated his learning, possessing all three kinds of wisdom and retaining both text and meaning, he had sovereign mastery in holding the teachings of the Three Piṭakas. If he had stated his personal name, although that would accord with correct principle, it would not convey the meaning of having attained mastery over all dharmas. For this reason he says "I" and does not say "Ānanda."