華嚴經探玄記 5.85

5.85

Eleventh, in the comparative measurement of the merit of making offerings to the Buddha, there are two [parts]: first, raising matters for comparative measurement, showing that which the simile cannot reach; second, below 'Why is this so?', explaining to demonstrate superiority. In the former there are ten layers: the first layer is specifically explained, and the remaining nine are generally explained. In the former there are four: first, raising the vastness; second, asking in response whether it is vast or not; third, answering to reveal its extreme vastness; fourth, comparative measurement demonstrating superiority. In the first [of these four], first the eastern direction is raised, and then the remaining nine are made analogous. In the former there are five: first, seeing many Buddhas and many sentient beings in a single thought-moment; second, personally presenting many offerings over a long time; third, exhorting the aforementioned sentient beings to join in one's own offerings; fourth, personally erecting superior stūpas to make offerings; fifth, exhorting others also to join in erecting stūpas to make offerings. The rest of the text can be known.