大方廣佛華嚴經隨疏演義鈔 7.37

7.37

From the commentary's "Śīlabhadra, carrying forward from afar" downward is the second part, explaining what was established by both [masters], which is divided into two distinct sections. In both sections, the text has five parts: first, the transmission between master and disciple; second, the sūtras and treatises relied upon; third, directly revealing what was established; fourth, clarifying the definitive and non-definitive; fifth, concluding what was relied upon. Now, regarding Śīlabhadra in the first part, in the initial transmission between master and disciple: Maitreya's stage is supreme; this represents high antiquity. Asaṅga is at the first bhūmi; this represents middle antiquity. For Dharmapāla and Nanda, there is no text attesting to their attainment of sanctity, but they were the preeminent figures of their day. Their transformation of the world was not long ago; hence, it is said that he "followed close behind."