大方廣佛華嚴經疏 4.13

4.13

Second, indicating the master, time, and place: these are three fulfillments. Stating "At one time" is the fulfillment of time. Time is also a provisional designation of temporal duration established in conformity with the world. First, it distinguishes this from other times: the times when the Tathāgata preached the sūtras are measureless and cannot be listed individually; a single phrase covers them broadly, hence it is said "At one time". As the *Mahāparinirvāṇa-sūtra* says, "At one time, the Buddha was on the bank of the Ganges River" and so forth; this is the time when the King of the Dharma initiated the turning [of the wheel] and held the auspicious gathering. It can also mean that the capacity and teaching were of one time: that is, although the word "Thus" above conforms to principle, if it does not meet the time, it would also be a hollow cry. Now, it clarifies that the capacity of living beings stimulated the Sage, and the Sage was able to extend the response; the communion of ordinary beings and the Sage did not miss the opportune moment, hence it is said "At one time". "Buddha" is the fulfillment of the master. Fully stated as *Buddha*, translated here as "Awakened One", meaning one whose awakening of self and others is complete. Although possessing the ten epithets, the meaning of "Buddha" encompasses them, so it is specifically specified here; its meaning was seen in the title. Third, from "in Magadha" onward is the fulfillment of place. The true body has no location and yet is nowhere absent; hence it is analyzed next. Magadha Country generally adduces the place of preaching. It is translated here as "Without Harm", because the laws of the country have no corporal punishment or execution, symbolizing the teaching that is able to transform. Or it is said to mean "All-Wise", because wise people fill its realm, symbolizing the capacities to be transformed. "The dharma of the araṇya" specifically adduces the preaching site. *Araṇya* is translated here as "without clamour or dispute", which is phenomenal stillness. *Dharma* is the true principle realized, wherein the clamour and tumult of the two obstacles, karma, and suffering are entirely extinguished. Because phenomena and principle are both tranquil, the word "dharma" is added. "The place of bodhi": *bodhi* means awakening, which is the great wisdom, perfectly luminous and ultimate, that can realize [it]. "Place" is the place where bodhi was realized. In terms of the phenomenal place, it is the center of heaven and earth, two hundred li west of Rājagṛha, upon the vajrāsana. Regarding principle, the myriad practices are all the place of awakening (bodhimaṇḍa), because it is where principle and wisdom meet. To symbolize that what is expounded is like what is realized, it was expounded without moving from that place. The perfect interpenetration of time and place, and so forth, are all as expounded before.