華嚴經探玄記 18.25

18.25

Second, concerning opening and combining the number of assemblies, there are six [perspectives]: 1. In terms of the capacities gathered in, there are only three assemblies: the assembly gathering in the bhikṣus, the assembly gathering in the dragon kings, and the assembly gathering in Sudhana. From Guṇamegha onward, all are included in the third assembly, because there is no difference in the capacities gathered in. 2. In terms of the masters who transform, there are fifty-two assemblies, meaning the first three and the later fifty-fourth assembly at the city of Samantamukha are all Mañjuśrī, having no other master; the remaining fifty-one are each assemblies of different individuals; therefore, in terms of the masters, there are only fifty-two. 3. In terms of an overall analysis of both the active and passive, there are fifty-five assemblies, meaning Sudhana has fifty-three, and the bhikṣus and dragons each have one. 4. In terms of dividing between host and companions, there are one hundred and ten assemblies, as explained in the text below. 5. In terms of the basis for dispersed preaching, there are assemblies as numerous as the paramāṇus of a trichiliocosm, as stated later at Mañjuśrī's place; this is analyzed in terms of guiding the capacities of the three vehicles. 6. In terms of Samantabhadra's virtues, there are assemblies as numerous as the paramāṇus of the worlds of the ten directions, as analyzed below at the passage of inclusive conclusion.