觀音義疏 2.69

2.69

'The body of a lesser king': some say heavenly kings are great and human kings are lesser. Among human kings, the four kinds of wheel-turning kings themselves have greater and lesser; those who are not the four wheel-turning kings are called millet-scattered kings, who themselves have greater and lesser—in the Central Kingdom they are called great, and subordinate vassals are called lesser, viewed hierarchically in succession. Now, in saying 'lesser', if he still becomes a lesser [king], how much more so a great one? This also has the four propositions. Why would he merely experience retribution due to meritorious karma? Entering the Land of Common Abode, he fully transforms others, jointly cultivates merit, and with a compassionate mind benefits living beings: this is being a king.