華嚴經探玄記 18.48

18.48

Tenth, in explaining the text, concerning the assembly of gathering Sudhana in Dhanya-nagara to cause him to accomplish the practice of the ten faiths, the text distinctly has four: 1. Explaining the gathering of the assembly to manifest the capacity to be addressed; 2. Explaining the observation of capacities to distinguish the skillful means of imparting instruction; 3. Preaching the Dharma that is imparted; 4. Inducing the practice of superior advancement. Within the first, there are two: first, a general presentation; second, from 'At that time there were' onward, a distinct manifestation. Within the distinct manifestation: the laymen (upāsaka) of the fourfold assembly were translated in antiquity as 'men of good lodging' and are now translated as 'men who serve closely', meaning they draw near to the bhikṣus and respectfully serve them. The laywomen (upāsikā) are also the same. Furthermore, Sudatta here is named 'Good Giving'. Vasudatta here is named 'Wealth Giving'. Bhadra here is called 'Worthy'. The remaining names may be known by inferring from their explanations. Second, from 'Mañjuśrī knew the people of Dhanya-nagara' onward, explaining the observation of capacities to impart the skillful means of instruction, there are two: first, the general indication of the intention of preaching can be known; second, from 'Observing' onward, distinctly observing Sudhana, which also has two: 1. Observing the superior events of his present birth; 2. From 'As for this youth' onward, examining his past causes and virtuous conduct. Within the first, there are three: 1. General indication; 2. Distinct manifestation; 3. From 'The diviners of signs who were skilled in discernment' onward, general conclusion. Within the distinct [manifestation]: because of the arising of the signs of wealth and treasures through this karmic reward, the name Sudhana ('Good Wealth') was established; that is, 'good' is the cause and 'wealth' is the fruit. Furthermore, because he obtained this wealth in accordance with the Way, he is called Sudhana. Moreover, at birth treasures appeared, which is 'wealth', and later his virtuous practice was praised as 'good', like Subhūti's names 'Good Appearance' and 'Born of Emptiness'. Also, the Mahāprajñāpāramitōpadeśa (Dà zhìdù lùn) explaining Sadāprarudita's name and so on can be known by inference from this. Second, within praising his virtuous conduct, the ten phrases form five pairs: 1. Having previously made offerings to Buddhas and planted goodness, clarifying that this Sudhana had already previously planted the good roots belonging to liberation; 2. Delighting in purity and drawing near to good friends; 3. Purely cultivating the three karmas; 4. Seeking and cultivating the fruit Dharma; 5. Pure in mind and complete in practice, because the mind is without differing thoughts, it is pure like space, and also because it lacks present afflictions and the like.