大方廣佛華嚴經隨疏演義鈔 59.89

59.89

Regarding the Commentary's statement, "Causing others to violate precepts": this causes them to violate the precept against anger. Due to bearing [the offense] in mind with displeasure, resentment and animosity are engendered. Even if the other person seeks repentance with gentle words of apology, if one's anger still does not abate, one incurs a grave offense. Regarding the Commentary's "nourishing/soothing": words that necessarily benefit others are called "nourishing." Therefore, overturning the two kinds of speech that cause suffering to others and arouse anger is called "gentle and soft": "gentle" means harmonious, and "soft" means beneficially mild. Because the speech is governed by precepts, it is gentle and soft; harmonious means free of venomous harm, and beneficially mild means free of harshness. Harshness refers to stubborn roughness, easily wounding and fracturing. Harm refers to inflicting damage, like swords and halberds. Being gentle and soft now, it is without damage and harm. The treatise explains "not harsh" as "received and practiced uninterruptedly." Master Huiyuan says: "Spoken constantly and not temporarily, hence called 'not harsh'." Thus, the above explains "harsh" as being easily fractured and broken. Therefore, the bodhisattva's words must accord with the Path, constantly practicing wholesome words to the end of future time; this is also what is softest under heaven riding roughshod over what is hardest under heaven. Regarding the Commentary's statement, "Uttering words with a tranquil and pleasant mind": the *Xici* commentary to the *Yijing* states: "First make the body secure, and then act; make the mind easy, and then speak." The commentary glosses: "*Yi* [easy] means harmonious and easy." Overturning the aforementioned anger and rage is naturally so. Regarding the Commentary's "Speaking in accordance with gods and humans": worldly retributions suit the mind's desires, hence it says "delightful."