大方廣佛華嚴經隨疏演義鈔 20.45

20.45

Regarding the commentary's statement, “In the Nirvāṇa-sūtra, there is hearing praise of the Buddha,” and so forth: This refers to fascicle thirty-eight (fascicle thirty-five of the Southern edition): “The brāhmaṇas wished to contest their strength with the Buddha. At that time, another brāhmaṇa spoke thus: ‘O virtuous ones! The recluse Gautama has accomplished and is fully endowed with immeasurable merit; therefore, you should not dispute with him.’ The multitude replied: ‘Foolish man! Why do you say that the recluse Gautama possesses great merit? Seven days after his birth, his mother passed away. How can this be called a sign of fortune and merit?’ The brāhmaṇa said: ‘Not becoming angry when reviled, not retaliating when struck—know that this is a sign of great fortune and merit. His body is fully endowed with the thirty-two marks, eighty minor marks, and immeasurable supernormal powers; therefore, know that this is a sign of fortune and merit. With a mind free of arrogance, he takes the initiative to greet others; his speech is gentle, never coarse or rough; his years and vitality are both flourishing, yet his mind is not reckless; he possesses no longing for the great wealth of a royal realm, casting it aside to go forth as one discards saliva. Therefore, I say that the recluse Gautama has accomplished and is fully endowed with immeasurable merit.’ The multitude replied: ‘Excellent, O virtuous one! The recluse Gautama is indeed as you have spoken, accomplished in immeasurable supernormal transformations. We will not contest this matter with him.’” Explanation: The text is extremely clear; here it is merely cited for its meaning. The marks and signs are briefly omitted from the citation because they were discussed before and are not of the category of meritorious virtues. As for the statement, “Yet it complements the preceding meaning,” the compassion of the second meaning serves as the cause of the marks. Here, the compassion of this meaning is the fruit of the marks; the fruit is brought about by the cause. Moreover, they reciprocally illuminate the cause; hence it is said to complement.