大方廣佛華嚴經疏 1.4

1.4

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.