妙法蓮華經玄贊 9.8

9.8

The Eulogy says: The main text of this chapter is divided into two: first, it explains Devadatta as a kalyāṇamitra of opposing conditions to the Buddha himself, intending to show that if only one can uphold the sūtra, whether enemy or kin, all are kalyāṇamitras; second, it explains Mañjuśrī as a kalyāṇamitra of conforming conditions to all sentient beings, explaining that the sūtra has many benefits and the power of swift attainment. The first part is further divided into three: first, it explains the Buddha's past treasuring of the Dharma to seek the sūtra; next, it explains that through the sūtra Devadatta will in the future become a buddha, beginning with 'He addressed the four assemblies: "Devadatta ..."'; finally, it concludes with obtaining benefits from hearing the sūtra, beginning with 'The Buddha addressed the bhikṣus: "In future ages ..."' The first passage has two parts: first, it explains the seeking of the Dharma in the past; second, it concludes by uniting the present and the past, which is the text after the verses. Within the first there are again two: first, the prose and verses explain seeking the Dharma; after that, two verses explain the reason for seeking the Dharma. The initial prose is divided into three: first, it explains seeking the Dharma; next, it explains the hermit's consent; finally, it explains following and serving him. Seeking the Dharma has three: first, it explains seeking the Dharma; next, it explains practicing cultivation; finally, it explains searching for it, beginning with 'Beating the drum and proclaiming the decree.' This is the first. "Weariness" (惓) has the fanqie pronunciation qu + juan; properly it should be written as 倦; the Yupian says: 'Tired, toiling, exhausted, ceased.' It is also written as the character 券. Sometimes written as 惓; the etymological origin of the character 惓 is unknown.