妙法蓮華經玄贊 1.80

1.80

Now, in the sūtra's clarification of the fulfillment of the assembly, there are two sections: first, individually clarifying the fifteen assemblies; later, clarifying deportment. In the first part there are again two: first, individually listing the assemblies; later, clarifying paying homage to the Buddha and each withdrawing to sit down. The fifteen assemblies are divided into two: first, clarifying the assemblies of inner protectors; later, clarifying the assemblies of outer protectors. The inner protectors have two: first, clarifying the śrāvakas; later, clarifying the bodhisattvas. The śrāvakas have two: first, clarifying the bhikṣus; later, clarifying the assembly of nuns. Among the bhikṣus there are two: first, those with renown and high virtue; later, those without renown and of great virtue. In the first there are three: 1. designating the category and citing the number; 2. praising their virtues; 3. listing their names; this is the first. It has two fulfillments: 1. number, and 2. practice.