妙法蓮華經玄贊 9.98

9.98

The Eulogy says: The overarching text of this chapter is divided into three parts: first, twenty thousand bodhisattvas request to uphold it in this realm, because sentient beings and others have many evils; next, four categories of śrāvakas request to uphold it in other realms, because beings here are difficult to transform and they cannot bear it; finally, [the Buddha] looks toward eighty koṭis of nayutas of bodhisattvas, who will uphold it both here and there, because their power and momentum are great. The first section has three parts: first, requesting to protect and uphold it; next, explaining evil people; finally, explaining upholding the sūtra without fear, giving up their lives. This is the first.