大方廣佛華嚴經隨疏演義鈔 5.6

5.6

Sixth, [the condition of] relying on the person who preaches. The text of the commentary divides into two: first, generally revealing the intention of its inclusion; next, opening sections to explain specifically. Now, as for the first: it first establishes the principle. Now, the Dharma has four kinds: teaching, principle, practice, and fruition. The Dharma as principle is limpid and neither flourishes nor declines; the ocean of teachings in the dragon palace also mostly endures perpetually; but cultivating practice to achieve fruition rests with persons. Therefore the Prajñā-śāstra states: 'When the Dharma is about to perish, it is because cultivation of practice perishes.' However, propagation has two meanings: first, personal practice; second, transforming others; here we take transforming others. From 'the text below states' downward cites proof: namely the verse of Bodhisattva Superior Wisdom in the sixteenth fascicle, which in full states: 'Like a jewel in the dark / that cannot be seen without a lamp, / if the Buddha's Dharma is not preached by anyone, / though one have wisdom, none can comprehend it.' Therefore the preacher is like a lamp, capable of illuminating the jewel of sentient beings' minds.