大華嚴經略策 1.49

1.49

Forty-second: The twelve divisions of teachings. Question: What are the twelve divisions of scriptures? Answer: The twelve divisions of teachings were formerly called the twelve divisions of scriptures; fearing confusion with bound volumes [of texts], the name was changed to divisions of teachings. As for the twelve divisions: First is sūtra, translated here as matching scriptures. This has three aspects: first, the general aspect; second, the particular aspect; third, the primary aspect. The general aspect refers to everything from "Thus have I heard" at the beginning to "rejoiced and practiced [it]" at the end, all being called sūtras. The particular aspect refers to the other eleven divisions distinguished out of the aforementioned general [category]. The primary aspect refers to that which within those particular [scriptures] is brief at first and detailed later. Second is geya, translated here as responding verses, such as the verses in the "Chapter on the Ten Abodes" and the "Chapter on the Abode of Generating the Aspiration [for Enlightenment]". Third is vyākaraṇa, translated here as prophecy, such as in the "Chapter on Generating the Aspiration [for Enlightenment]" and the "Chapter on the Manifestation [of the Tathāgata]". Fourth is gāthā, translated here as recitation verses, such as the verse praises in the three heavens. Fifth is nidāna, translated here as causes and conditions, such as the five requests of the three groups and the observing of Sudhana. Sixth is udāna, translated here as spontaneous discourses, such as the original portion at the beginning of the "Ten Stages", and the "Chapter on Samantabhadra's Practices". Seventh is itivṛttaka, translated here as past events, such as the text concerning Great Majestically Radiant [King]. Eighth is jātaka, translated here as past lives, such as the accounts of the events during past births of the various kalyāṇamitras. Ninth is vaipulya, translated here as extensive and wide; this entire sūtra as a whole receives this title. As the Nirvāṇa Sūtra says: "The so-called Mahāyāna vaipulya scriptures have meanings as vast as empty space." Furthermore, the Abhidharmasamuccaya-vyākhyā analyzes it into five meanings: vaipulya means discourse corresponding to the bodhisattvapiṭaka; it is also called broad destruction because it broadly destroys all obstacles; it is also called the incomparable Dharma because there are no teachings that can be compared to it, because it is the foundation for the benefit and peace of all sentient beings, and because it expounds vast and extremely profound meanings. Tenth is adbhutadharma, translated here as unprecedented, such as ascending to the four heavens without rising [from the seat], and manifesting the walking of seven paces. Eleventh is avadāna, translated here as parables, such as in the "Chapter on the Manifestation [of the Tathāgata]". Twelfth is upadeśa, translated here as analytical discussions, such as the "Chapter on Inquiring into the Clear [Meaning]". Question: For what reason are there these twelve divisions of teachings? Answer: The Liang translation of the Mahāyānasaṃgraha states: "From tathatā flows forth fundamental wisdom; from fundamental wisdom flows forth subsequently attained wisdom; from subsequently attained wisdom flows forth the mind of great compassion; from the mind of great compassion flow forth the twelve divisions of teachings." Respectfully answered.