大方廣佛華嚴經隨疏演義鈔 71.24

71.24

Regarding the commentary's phrase "First, reaching the pinnacle of the vajra[-like samādhi]": this means that prior to the vajra-like samādhi, there is still the existence of saṃsāra, hence it is called "pinnacle of existence" (bhavāgra). This is because the innate defilement-seeds are only severed at this time. Since in the defilement dense forest above it was said "descending down to the vajra," this is naturally spoken in terms of seeds. Although there are two meanings, the commentary's intention favors this one; therefore the heading above said "Third, clarifying the locus in terms of stages." From "Now taking it generally..." onward, it reconciles with the treatise's sūtra text. Not mentioning the vajra is because it intends to encompass both the Great and Small [Vehicles]. Since the verse below says "Extinguished only in the vajra-path is it ultimately complete," the former meaning is indeed primary. The phrase "nine grounds" also admits of two meanings: when contrasted with the aforementioned pinnacle of the three existences, it refers to the nine of the three realms and nine grounds—that is, the desire realm, the four dhyānas, and the four formless [attainments] make nine. If conforming to the former meaning, it refers to the stage of Good Intelligence (sādhumatī-bhūmi), because the tenth [stage] corresponds to the rank where they are completely severed. The fourth, in terms of time, is easy to understand. Regarding the commentary's phrase "Only wisdom can terrify..." onward: this reflects the treatise's intention, because the treatise's sūtra text says "the characteristic of not having been terrified since beginningless time," for which the treatise provides this explanation. The treatise says: "In boundless worlds, only wisdom can terrify [them], fearing [them] like hostile bandits. Because one has never possessed the wisdom of hearing, contemplation, and cultivation, they are not eliminated." The commentary adopts the treatise's intention to reconcile and explain the present sūtra, which is easily understood. Regarding the commentary's phrase "unable to comply with correct practice": because below "supernormal powers" in the treatise's sūtra text there are the words "correct practice." The rest can be understood.