大方廣佛華嚴經隨疏演義鈔 4.5

4.5

Regarding the Commentary's statement from "However, there are those who say..." downwards: the second [part] recounts earlier views to show agreement and disagreement. Within this, it first recounts directly, and after "the above..." it determines and judges. In the first part, the first master says: Since there are seven places and nine assemblies, three in the human realm and four in the heavens, and all are within the desire realm of Sahā, it is clear that it is defiled. The second master says: When this sūtra was expounded, the Lotus Treasury World shook in six ways. Furthermore, it says: Its ground was solid, composed of vajra; Sahā is merely earth, stone, and various mountains—how could this be taken as defiled? The third master says: It is merely the unobstructed combination of the two above; that is, those who experience Sahā see Sahā against the Lotus Treasury, and those who experience the Lotus Treasury see the Lotus Treasury against Sahā. It is also like what the Śikhin [Brahmā] saw was like the palace of Paranirmitavaśavartin Heaven, while what Śāriputra saw was hills, ravines, and pits. The "Chapter on the Lotus Treasury" says: "For example, seeing the Guide, there are various different forms; according to the mental activities of sentient beings, seeing the various kṣetras is also like this." Later, determining and judging, it states: "The latter one is close to the principle." Because it only knows that the kṣetra encompasses the pure and the defiled, this is merely one of the two sets of four propositions, and has not exhausted the profound subtlety; therefore, it says "close to the principle."