大方廣佛華嚴經隨疏演義鈔 28.34

28.34

Regarding the Commentary's stating, "Although the text appears below," and so forth: this resolves an objection. That is, an objection states: "The passages just cited are all from the 'Chapter on Awakening Through Light'. Here, the manifestation of signs is said to answer the ten questions, yet you cite the sūtra below; how could that constitute this answer?" It is explained: "If the manifestation of supernormal powers in the six assemblies still takes place simultaneously, how much more so given that the meaning of 'Awakening Through Light' is not confined to this place; hence what is spoken in 'Awakening Through Light' speaks of what is manifested here." Therefore, herein the buddha lands and bodhisattvas of the ten directions are listed individually and speak one by one, whereas the "Chapter on Awakening Through Light" sums them up simultaneously all at once, making clear that it speaks of the signs manifested here. Regarding the Commentary's stating, "Near and far from here are all ten lands," and so forth: above is the general division of topics. From "The ten directions each have eight" and below, it explains the eight sections individually. The first six explain the initial "near and far," which naturally contains three sections: first, the correct explanation; second, from "In order to express something" and below, resolving an objection. The objection states: "The Avataṃsaka is a universal teaching; there has never been a land where this sūtra is not spoken. Now, in adducing ten lands, those outside the ten would not be included; now, in speaking of a hundred lands, those outside the hundred would not be gathered in. How could it be universal?" The intent of the explanation is clear. Third, from "Furthermore, in accordance with delusion" and below, it is interpreted in terms of contemplating the mind. Regarding the Commentary's stating, "Now they are used interchangeably": because Sanskrit terms have multiple connotations, Tripiṭaka masters each adopted one; now, gathering them by meaning, they are used interchangeably, subtly citing the sūtra below to establish the four meanings. First, explaining the meaning of "foremost" (śreṣṭha / agra): because faith is foremost and subsumes all stages, this is the universal meaning, illuminating that faith encompasses the ocean of fruition. Second, explaining the meaning of "superior" (viśiṣṭa): stating that among progressive practices, faith is most superior. The sūtra says: "Therefore, relying on practice, progression is explained; / joyful trust is most superior and very difficult to attain." Third, from "In the midst of saṃsāra" and below, explaining the meaning of "auspicious" (maṅgala / śrī): the text broadly draws upon the meaning of the sūtra below. Fourth, because faith can increase the virtues of cognition, explaining the meaning of "virtue" (guṇa): this also entirely consists of the sūtra text of the "Chapter on the Chief of the Virtuous". The text says: "The majestic spiritual power of those great beings, / their Dharma-eye is always intact and without deficiency; / the wondrous practices of the ten virtues and all other paths, / they cause the unsurpassable, supreme jewels to fully appear." This is the meaning of auspiciousness. Regarding the Commentary's stating, "There is also a tradition that says": this refers to the translation by the Tripiṭaka Master of Xingshan. I personally inquired of the Tripiṭaka Master, and his statement agreed with this; wishing to harmonize the meanings, the previous four explanations were gathered. Regarding the Commentary's stating, "Now, first, the eastern direction," and so forth: this individually explains the ten directions. Within the eight sections, three matters are always explained: first, the name of the land; second, the name of the Buddha; third, the name of the host bodhisattva, only in the first, eastern direction. Following the order of the sūtra, the nine directions below are explained in reverse order from the end: because the ten "Chief" (Śīrṣa) Bodhisattvas represent the ten profundities and assist the teaching host, they are adduced first; the other two follow from this, and are therefore explained afterward. Careful investigation will make this known.