妙法蓮華經玄贊 2.24

2.24

The first explanation states: Manifesting in what pure ground the bodhisattvas abide, by what skillful means, and in what sphere they perform what ought to be done; this is the general heading. In the Treatise's subsequent citation and explanation of the thirteen clauses, they should be divided into three: the one clause 'non-retrogression in unexcelled complete perfect enlightenment' is the ground of purity in which they abide; next, the ten clauses are by what skillful means; the final two clauses are what ought to be done in what sphere. In the Treatise's citation and explanation, it explains only the first two headings, and does not explain the third, 'what ought to be done in what sphere.' As for the purity of the ground: the three grounds from the eighth ground upward are quiescent and pure in signless practice; hence, the signless principle is here called 'unexcelled complete perfect enlightenment.' The latter three grounds are all spontaneously quiescent and pure, free from hindrances in signless practice, and are called non-retrogression, because they do not retrogress due to defilements, having signs, and so forth. As for the second heading, 'by what skillful means,' there are four kinds: First, the skillful means of integrating the wondrous Dharma, because they uphold the wondrous Dharma and expound it to people by the power of joyful speech. This subsumes three clauses. 'Upholding the wondrous Dharma' means all attain dhāraṇī. By attaining the retention of what is heard, they uphold the wondrous Dharma so that it is not abandoned, abiding in their own minds and holding it without forgetting; hence it is called upholding. 'By the power of joyful speech' means the eloquence of joyful speech. 'Expounding to people' means turning the non-retrogressing wheel of the Dharma, because they expound this non-retrogressing wheel to people.