妙法蓮華經玄贊 6.28

6.28

The Commentary says: This explains the specific functional aspect. The nirvāṇa and liberation sought by non-Buddhists are not the true supreme dharma. Saṃsāra is loathsome and is metaphorically compared to a dog; obtaining those precepts and restrictions is like the two feet, because they are causes for nirvāṇa; like feet, the precepts and restrictions are distinct, hence called 'both.' Or, clinging to them as supreme and as cause is called 'both.' Firmly adhering to precepts and restrictions is like 'grasping the dog's feet'; executing what conforms to oneself is like 'flinging it down by the feet.' Pu (撲) is pronounced pu-jiao reverse, meaning to fall or throw down. The Tongsuwen says: 'Striving to throw down is called pu.' Some write pu (朴), pronounced pu-bu reverse, meaning to strike. The Yupian says: 'To strike, to hit with the hand.' Here, it does not have this meaning, nor is it the character pu (朴). Proclaiming painful austerities and their nirvāṇa to demonstrate them to sentient beings is like 'causing it to lose its voice.' Clinging to precepts or restrictions as being able to reach nirvāṇa is like 'placing the dog's feet upon the dog's neck.' Establishing this and practicing painful austerities to seek nirvāṇa is identical in meaning to terrifying and playing with the dog and indulging in it without abandoning it; although it is suffering, they call it pleasure, and because it amuses their own minds, it is called 'amusing themselves.'