大方廣佛華嚴經疏 1.11

1.11

Third, to accord with the responsive capacity of beings: Although the past cause and natural order can be constant and pervasive, as far as what can be transmitted, it is entirely due to the responsive capacity of beings, because preaching the Dharma apart from capacity has no use. It is like the bright moon above and the clear pond below: when the pond is clear, the reflection appears; when there is capacity, response arises. Therefore, a verse in the Tuṣita Heaven says: 'Seeing the Buddha is also like this: it must rely on the myriad good karmas.' The Buddhas of the ten directions addressed Guṇavana, speaking of it being due to the power of the good roots of all the bodhisattvas. Muktaka said: 'This assembly is free from all stains, their resolve and understanding are completely bright and pure,' and so on, all of which are the responsive capacities of beings. A broad explanation of responsive capacity is as given below in the fourth section, 'Faculties to which the teaching is addressed.' Furthermore, this responsive capacity extends to both the present and the future: those who were suitable recipients at the various assemblies were the present, while those who hear it now are the future capacity.