華嚴經探玄記 4.83

4.83

In the question are also two parts: first, the compiler of the sūtra sets the sequence. Why does Mañjuśrī ask and Bhadramukha answer? Because faith gathers the myriad practices, and without Wondrous Virtue (Mañjuśrī) it cannot be initiated; faith encompasses the six stages, and without Worthy Virtue (Bhadramukha) it cannot be propagated. Furthermore, penetrating the profound manifests wisdom, and pure virtue illustrates merit. Second, the direct question in verse, within which are two: 1. Concluding the preceding; 2. Asking about the subsequent, within which are also two: first asking about the extremely profound practice, and later asking about the vast virtue. Why are the question and answer here both in verse? Two meanings explain this: First, because the initial virtue is deep and broad, penetrating through to the ultimate end, prose exposition could hardly be comprehensive; thus, verses are used to encompass it completely. Second, to reveal the excellence of complete virtue, fine words are used to praise it. The Dàzhìdù lùn says: "Verses gather many meanings with few words; praises mostly use verses." These are the two meanings above.