華嚴經探玄記 6.26

6.26

Fourth, as for explaining the text: within this main expounding there are two chapters; the first chapter explains that which is practiced, and the latter chapter reveals that which is accomplished. Furthermore, the first is practice according to the gradual ascent of stages, and the latter is practice of universal marks from beginning to end. Furthermore, the first is the stage, and the latter is the practice. Furthermore, the first is one's own portion, and the latter is superior advancement. In the first chapter, the seven divisions are the same as before: 1. the samādhi division; 2. the empowerment division; 3. the rising division; 4. the fundamental division; 5. the exposition division; 6. the confirmation division; 7. the verse division. Why is it like this? Because [the teacher] intends to show that the exposition arises based on realization, he first enters samādhi; to show the excellence of the Dharma, the Buddhas jointly empower him; because the time for exposition is about to arrive, he arises from samādhi; because words cannot be fully displayed all at once, he briefly marks out the fundamental division; because a brief [account] cannot be complete, he subsequently explains it at length; to show that what has been expounded is thorough and complete, he concludes by confirming it as ultimate; and to make the expounded Dharma easy to accept and uphold, there is the verse division. Why did he enter samādhi in the first [division]? There are six reasons, the same as explained before. Here there are three [points]: first, adducing the person who enters samādhi: his practice having accomplished virtues like a forest, and expounding ten without divergence, is called 'entering.' Second, revealing that it is not through his own power: attributing the transformation to the Buddha, he says 'relying on [the Buddha's] power.' Third, directly explaining the attainment of samādhi: quietly submerging the spirit to realize and accord [with the truth], he says 'entered.' 'Bodhisattva' designates the person and distinguishes the Dharma, setting it apart from the Buddha-fruit. 'Well subduing in samādhi' adduces the capability to reveal distinctiveness. 'Well' has two meanings: first, skillful capacity; second, according with the principle. 'Subduing' also has two meanings: first, conquering; second, taming. The first is in terms of hindrances: skillfully conquering them so they never arise again, hence called 'well subduing.' The second is in terms of practice: cultivating practice in accord with the principle, which is a taming practice, hence called 'well subduing.' 'Samādhi' is the same as explained before.