大方廣佛華嚴經疏 60.7

60.7

Fourth, from "Good son, you should…" onward points out the subsequent spiritual friend. Here there are three parts: first, encouraging him to go and instructing him to inquire; next, from "Why is this?" onward explains the reason for the encouragement; third, from "Therefore, good son…" onward concludes the encouragement with further explanation. In the first part, the reason for directing him to go to Mañjuśrī is that his causal stages are about to reach their culmination, so he is made to reflect back upon the source of the mind. In the second part, the question is first raised: having already seen Mañjuśrī, why encourage him to go [again]? The explanation states: that one's virtues are deep and vast, and his past affinities are weighty. In this there are two parts: first, explaining the vastness of his practice; second, showing the depth of their affinities. In the first part: "bringing forth the merits of bodhisattvas" refers to presiding over the dharma-gate of faith and nurturing all wholesome [roots]. "Therefore, being the mother of buddhas" refers to presiding over the gate of prajñā, abiding in profound wisdom, and seeing the reality of dharmas. "Being the teacher of bodhisattvas" refers to possessing skillful wisdom, penetrating liberations, and fulfilling the conduct of Samantabhadra. Next, from "he is your good friend" onward shows that their affinities are deep and have already yielded many benefits. In the third part, concluding the encouragement with further explanation, there are three sections: first, concluding the encouragement, [showing that] possessing the two meanings above, he should go without weariness. Next, inquiring and explaining. The question first asks: how does one specifically know that he possesses the two aforementioned meanings? The explanation then states: all the benefits already achieved are due to his power; thus it is known that his virtues are deep and affinities are weighty. If he sees him now, the benefits obtained will increase even more. Next, from "Mañjuśrī…" onward concludes with the culmination of virtues: seeing him earlier was the beginning of faith, and seeing him later is the culmination of wisdom; hence it is said that all is culminated.