大方廣佛華嚴經疏 1.4

1.4

題稱大方廣佛華嚴經者，即無盡修多羅之總名。世主妙嚴品第一者，即眾篇義類之別目。大以曠兼無際，方以正法自持，廣則稱體而周，佛謂覺斯玄妙，華喻功德萬行，嚴謂飾法成人，經乃注無竭之涌泉、貫玄凝之妙義，攝無邊之海會、作終古之常規。佛及諸王並稱世主，法門依正俱曰妙嚴，分義類以彰品名、冠群篇而稱第一。斯經有三十九品，此品建初，故云大方廣佛華嚴經。

The title 'Buddhāvataṃsaka-mahāvaipulya-sūtra' is the general name for the inexhaustible sūtra. 'The Wondrous Adornments of the Leaders of the World, Chapter One' is the specific title for the categories of meaning among the various sections. 'Great' (mahā) means vast and boundless; 'vaipulya' (square/correct and broad) means maintaining oneself by the correct Dharma, and 'broad' means pervading in accordance with the essence; 'Buddha' refers to the one who has awakened to this profound marvel; 'flower' (avataṃsaka/garland) is a metaphor for the myriad practices of merit and virtue; 'adornment' means decorating the Dharma to perfect the person. 'Sūtra' means pouring forth an inexhaustible gushing spring, threading together profound and gathered marvelous meanings, gathering the boundless ocean-like assembly, and serving as the eternal regular rule. Both the Buddha and the various kings are called 'leaders of the world'; the dharma-gates, dependent environment, and primary beings are all called 'wondrous adornments'. Distinguishing categories of meaning establishes the chapter title, and presiding over all sections, it is designated as 'number one'. This sūtra contains thirty-nine chapters; this chapter stands at the beginning, hence it is called the Buddhāvataṃsaka-mahāvaipulya-sūtra.