大方廣佛華嚴經疏 5.2

5.2

Sixth, from "there were [bodhisattvas from] ten Buddha-worlds" onward, clarifies the assembly gathering like clouds in an ocean. Although the assembly is profound, vast, and difficult to fathom, ten gates are briefly opened: 1. the intention of gathering; 2. the causes of gathering; 3. distinguishing the categories; 4. determining the numbers; 5. provisional and real; 6. stages and stations; 7. preceding and following; 8. presence and absence; 9. hearing and not hearing; 10. explaining the text. Now for the first: coming to the Buddha's presence, for what purpose is it? Because there are ten meanings: 1. To provide resonance and serve as host and companions. 2. To act as attendants so that perfection is attained, like the assembly of constant followers such as Samantabhadra. 3. To guard the Tathāgata, like the vajra-holders and others, constantly and diligently protecting where the Buddhas dwell. 4. To adorn, like the spirits of the bodhimaṇḍa and others, constantly adorning and purifying the Buddha's palace. 5. To make offerings, as praise in gāthā is the offering of correct practice, and flower banners and the like are material offerings. 6. To initiate this sūtra, the askers and questioners being of that sort. 7. To hear the Dharma and gain benefit, those of matching capacity who realize and understand being of that class. 8. To express the Dharma, all the "Leaders" (śiras) and "Forests" (vana) expressing faith, practice, and so forth, all having identical names; and bodhisattvas emerging from the seat and so forth manifesting extraordinary things, also universally expressing all practices together accomplishing Buddhahood. 9. To provide concurrent verification, Buddhas and bodhisattvas verifying that what is preached is not false. 10. To inversely demonstrate: the śrāvakas not hearing demonstrates that the Dharma is not shared. For these many intentions, the ocean-like assembly gathers like clouds, not merely to verify faith alone.