華嚴經探玄記 5.4

5.4

First, explaining the title has two parts. First, the name of the assembly: in terms of the Dharma, it is named the Assembly of the Ten Abidings; in terms of the place, it is named the Assembly in the Trāyastriṃśa Heaven, which may be understood following the [previous] explanation. Second, the title of the chapter: the Buddha is the master of conversion; movement and stillness are unobstructed for him, and because he advances without going, it is called "ascending." Ascending to what place? It refers to the summit of Mount Sumeru. "Sumeru" is translated here as "Wondrously High Mountain." Because it is formed of the four jewels, it is called "wondrous"—its eastern face is yellow gold, the western white silver, the southern lapis lazuli (vaiḍūrya), and the northern agate; the other mountains are solely gold and thus not wondrous. Because it uniquely surpasses the nine mountains, it is called "high"; it is eighty-four thousand yojanas in height, and its length and breadth are exactly equal. It is also called Mountain of Peaceful Luminescence. "Summit" means the peak of the mountain. In the center of this mountain's summit is the palace of Śakra Indra, and on each of the four sides there are eight terraced mounds, three yojanas away from Śakra's [palace], and in between there is a separate palace city; thirty-two gods assist Śakra Indra, making thirty-three together with Śakra. Now, because [the Buddha] proceeds to Śakra's palace, it is called "the summit." Expressing the Dharma in terms of the place, it shows that the stage of the ten abidings is attained, and because of its non-retrogressing excellence, [he] dwells at the summit of the mountain. Thus the name is established from the three meanings of person, function, and place. Question: Why is it not expounded in the human realm? Answer: In order to reveal that the stages of practice gradually ascend and advance. Moreover, to express that the attainment of the stages is free from defilement, he therefore dwells in heaven. Question: Why not go to the heaven of the Four Heavenly Kings? Answer: There are three meanings: first, because that is a heaven of mixed ghosts and spirits, to show that the Dharma is not inferior, he therefore bypasses it; second, to symbolize the Dharma: since the ten faiths are the stage of retrogression for external ordinary beings, and the ten abidings are the non-retrogression for internal ordinary beings, wishing to express that advancing and retrogressing are vastly different, he therefore surpasses the abode of the Four Heavenly Kings; third, if one has not reached the summit of the mountain, there is still room for advancing and retrogressing, but once on the summit of the mountain, one abides securely without retrogressing; therefore, bypassing the heaven on the mountain's waist, he reaches this summit to express the Dharma.