大方廣佛華嚴經隨疏演義鈔 52.43

52.43

Regarding the commentary's phrase "Because it is the initial time..." below, the commentary's text has three parts: first, briefly explaining the meaning of superiority; second, below "The treatise and sūtra circulating separately...", reconciling the current lack of the phrase "two sevens"; third, below "Provisionally relying on the treatise...", directly inquiring and explaining the superiority of the beginning. In the first part, there are many [points], and it states to provisionally rely on the treatise. In this there are fourfold inquiries and explanations: 1. clarifying the meaning of not speaking during the first seven [days], which was for the sake of contemplation. Therein, first explaining according to the treatise; later, below "As for cause...", using the commentary to explain the treatise. In citing the Lotus Sūtra, however, while that text takes wisdom as that which is expounded, this text takes it as that which expounds; though slightly different, the overarching sense is identical. Therefore, the treatise below explains the assembly's doubt concerning what cause and what condition, the treatise stating: 'Is it because the expounder cannot speak? Or is it due to the condition that the listeners are incapable of hearing?' This is precisely its meaning.