妙法蓮華經玄贊 2.9

2.9

The Commentary says: The lower specific divisions below consist of twelve clauses, divided by ten kinds of manifestations into two: the first nine are self-benefit, and the last one is benefiting others. The first nine are further divided into two: the first eight are conditioned virtues, and the last one is unconditioned virtue. The first eight are further divided into two: the first five are merit and wisdom, and the last three are compassion and wisdom. The first five are further divided into two: the first three are internal practices, and the last two are favorable conditions. Among the first three: the first is self-benefit through perfuming cultivation, the second is benefiting others, and the third is benefiting the Dharma. Among the two favorable conditions: the first is cultivating upon encountering conditions, and the second is praising to dispel doubt. Among the three for compassion and wisdom: the first is loving-kindness and compassion, and the latter two are wisdom. Here there are three: First is non-retrogression in abiding in hearing the Dharma, which refers to having "all attained dhāraṇīs." *Dhāraṇī* is translated here as "total retention." Total retention has two aspects: first, grasping; second, dispersing. Grasping means holding fast. This is the retention of what is heard: hearing words and meanings and holding them effortlessly without forgetting; that is, the ability to retain what has been heard is called grasping. Hearing is itself total retention, its essence being mindfulness and wisdom. The *Daśabhūmika-sūtra* says: "Bodhisattvas at or above the eighth stage are capable of enduring, thinking, and retaining all dharmas." That commentary explains: "Enduring refers to the wisdom of hearing; thinking refers to the wisdom of contemplation; retaining refers to the wisdom of cultivation; thus three functions are differentiated within the single wisdom of cultivation." Dispersing means bestowing. This has four types: first, dharma; second, meaning; third, the ability to obtain bodhisattva endurance; fourth, spells and incantations; these are bestowed upon sentient beings. Of the two kinds here: the first is that which is able to retain, which is the retention of what is heard; the second is that which is retained, which comprises the other four types. They are again divided into two: first, self-benefit, which is the retention of what is heard, etc.; second, benefiting others, which comprises the four such as dharma and meaning; because cause and fruit differ.