觀音義疏 2.46

2.46

An earlier explanation divided the thirty-three bodies into three: first, the persons of the three vehicles; second, the fourfold assembly; third, the eight classes [of beings]. Each has branches and extremities: humans and devas were taken as the extremity of the sages, because they are vessels that can receive the Way; young boys and young girls were taken as the extremity of the fourfold assembly, because they can become part of the fourfold assembly; Vajradharas were taken as the extremity of the eight classes, because they equally possess great strength. If so, given that Vajradharas have great strength, why are they taken as the extremity? Answer: they are positioned at the very end to conceal their traces. Now we explain that the text on the thirty-three bodies forms eight groups: first, bodies of sages; second, bodies of devas; third, bodies of humans; fourth, bodies of the fourfold assembly; fifth, bodies of women; sixth, bodies of young boys and girls; seventh, bodies of the eight classes; eighth, bodies of Vajradharas. Explaining their sequence in this way simply emerges from human interpretation.