大方廣佛華嚴經隨疏演義鈔 56.9

56.9

Under the Commentary's statement, "The above conforms to the treatise in its explanation...," this fifth [part] separately presents the underlying intention. In this there are two parts: first, concluding the intention of the treatise; second, under "In truth and principle, the eight difficulties...," directly presenting the distinct import. In this there are again two parts: first, resolving the eight difficulties. Although the eight difficulties are not complete here, there are not merely two. That is, the treatise already has two; adding before and after a Buddha makes three; the ocean subsuming the hells makes four; the asuras subsuming the pretas makes five. When explaining the meaning in terms of the five destinies, asuras are also subsumed under pretas. Those born deaf and blind have their seeing and hearing completely cut off; it cannot be said that they hear, but there is only latent benefit. If they were suddenly caused to grow ears and eyes, they could also potentially see and hear. Worldly knowledge and eloquence also do not obstruct hearing. As for the Commentary's statement, "The present sūtra merely says 'in the fire,'" the second part separately explains the words "in the fire." This is the meaning found in the Lotus Sūtra, which was already cited in the "Flower Treasury" chapter. The "Flower Treasury" states: "The burning of the kalpa is inconceivable; / although what appears is ruined and bad, / that place is constantly stable and firm." This specifically clarifies hearing within the fire. Fire-washed cloth, fire-dwelling rats, and insects born inside red-hot iron balls—since the karmas of sentient beings are varied, how could anything prevent hearing the Dharma in the midst of fire? Just as in the case of the ocean water, they are right in the midst of it.