大方廣佛華嚴經搜玄分齊通智方軌 2.7

2.7

Fourth, analyzing the text. This assembly has six chapters, divided into three parts: the first two chapters explain the expedient initiation; the next two chapters explain the characteristics of the proper stages; the next two chapters explain the characteristics of subsequent accomplished and fulfilled practices. The first two chapters are divided into two: first, the arising of function in accordance with beings; second, from "Śakra Devānām Indra saw from afar" onward, analyzing the mutual resonance between capacity and response. The former text has two parts: first, analyzing the interpenetration of the dependent and primary [retributions], which reveals the purity of the former substance; second, further revealing the purity of the subsequent function, which is the foundation of accomplishing deeds freely and without obstruction. Where there is text in the various assemblies, all follow this same explanation, differing only in their progressive superiority. Question: Why is this text not placed after the first assembly, but rather before the subsequent assembly? Answer: If it were after the first assembly, it would only clarify the meaning of the benefit of expounding the Dharma, while the meaning of the substance of subsequent transformative function would not be revealed; therefore, it is analyzed before the subsequent assembly. The remaining assemblies are the same as this. Why is it not examined after the first assembly? Because the former assembly contained other meanings, and the intent was to explain it there; the subsequent sixth, seventh, and eighth assemblies also reveal that there are separate other meanings and intents. Within the substance, there are the three of body, speech, and mind. Second, from "At that time, the World-Honoured One" onward, manifesting the function responding to beings is the purity of function. The remaining characteristics can be known. The second, on mutual resonance, has five introductory sections: first, the prologue on the dwelling place, which, being unobstructed in motion and rest and reaching everywhere, constitutes the virtue of expounding the Dharma; second, the prologue on requesting the Buddha; third, the prologue on assembling the congregation; fourth, the prologue on emitting light; fifth, the prologue on praising virtues. If connected through to the Chapter on the Abodes below, there are eight prologues, namely: entering samādhi, being exhorted and aided, and arising from samādhi. Moreover, dividing the text according to chapters is also good. The first prologue on the dwelling place and the prologue on the request have six parts: first, seeing the Buddha come, wherein function arises from reality, which is the condition for generating the mind. Second, from "then, in the Wondrously Superior Palace" onward, clarifying that the lord of devas arranges offerings and thus requests the Buddha, fully revealing that from understanding the practice of Dharma-offering is accomplished, which accomplishes the faculties. Third, the World-Honoured One immediately accepts the request, responding to resonance and bestowing transformation. Fourth, the sound of the explanation is quiet and serene, symbolizing putting an end to distraction and according with truth. Fifth, from the uttering of verses onward, it symbolizes generating wisdom from samādhi. Sixth, from "The Buddha ascended the seat" onward, it directly clarifies the characteristics of the accomplishment of transformative function. The text on the adornments is divided into two: first, the adornments, which accomplish the faculties; second, the request, which accomplishes the aspiration. The first, on adornment, has three parts: first, general; next, adorning the seat; third, conclusion. Second, from "At that time, Śakra" onward, clarifying his request to the Buddha symbolizes the aspiration. The verse text has three parts: first, recollecting fundamental practices; second, verse praises; third, conclusion connecting throughout the ten directions. The sixth, on the accomplishment of transformation, has three parts: first, occupying the seat; second, analyzing the characteristics of function; third, universally extending to the other directions.