妙法蓮華經玄贊 2.54

2.54

The commentary: These are the devas of the form realm. In Sanskrit it is sahā, translated here as 'endurance': when the bodhisattvas practice benefiting and gladdening [beings], there is much resentment, jealousy, and affliction by myriad sufferings, and because they can endure weariness and bear it, it is named after this. 'Saba' is corrupt. The extent of the First Dhyāna is equal to one four-continent world of the desire realm; one thousand First Dhyānas are just equal to the Second Dhyāna; the Second Dhyāna is the summit of the fire disaster; one thousand Second Dhyānas are just equal to the Third Dhyāna; the Third Dhyāna is the summit of the water disaster; one thousand Third Dhyānas are just equal to the Fourth Dhyāna; the Fourth Dhyāna is the summit of the wind disaster, which is the trichiliocosm, called the Sahā world. Therefore, the lord of the Sahā world, the Great Brahmā King, is the lord of the Fourth Dhyāna. Brahmā means 'quietude', 'purity', or 'cleanliness', all being acceptable, and is also called 'Brahman purity'. Now it simply says 'Brahmā', which is merely an abbreviation. 'Śikhin' is the summit of the fire disaster, namely the lord of the First Dhyāna, because the fire disaster has a pointed summit. 'Radiance' is the lord of the Second Dhyāna, because he is the lord of the Minor Radiance, Immeasurable Radiance, and Ultimate Radiant Purity Heavens; 'and so on' indicates the lord of the Third Dhyāna. However, the Pañcaviṃśatisāhasrikā Prajñāpāramitā, chapter 570, says: 'Brahmā King Topknot-Holder, lord of the Endurance World'; therefore Śikhin means topknot, namely Brahmā King Topknot-Holder is the lord of the Endurance World, an alternative name for the Brahmā King; Radiance is the lord of the other dhyānas.