新華嚴經論 22.9

22.9

Second, explaining the reason for this chapter's occurrence: It clarifies that the thirty minds prior to the grounds have already been expounded, and through the method of the ten dedications of merit, principle and wisdom, great compassion, and the vast raising of great vows have already been integrated. These ten grounds merely rely on the previous rules to accumulate practices and amass cultivation, bringing their efficacy to completion and fulfilling the previous wisdom and vows, and bringing their great compassion to profound maturity and consummation; for this reason, this chapter must follow. Therefore, Sudhana meets nine night goddesses who are all female divinities to symbolize loving-kindness and compassion, and one who was the Buddha's wife when he was crown prince, named Gopā, to symbolize the joy of the Dharma of loving-kindness and compassion in the ten grounds that gladdens all sentient beings. Because these ten grounds accumulate loving-kindness and compassion to fulfill the previous wisdom and vows, at the beginning of these ten grounds, the Joyous Ground, one attains the mind that aspires to and seeks all Buddha-dharmas, as is taught in the subsequent grounds. Furthermore, that thirty-seven bodhisattvas are all named "Garbha" (Treasury) also symbolizes that these ten grounds all rely on the teaching prior to the grounds, using the thirty-seven factors conducive to awakening to assist and fulfill the aspiration, wisdom, compassion, and great vows prior to the grounds so that practice is consummated, and because containing all virtues to accomplish and fulfill the effortless virtue-gates of all Buddhas is called "Treasury". One bodhisattva alone is named Vimukticandra (Liberation Moon), representing the fruit of attaining the coolness of the Dharma among the thirty-seven practices conducive to awakening. Each has its symbolic representation, which can be understood by contemplation. Therefore, because this Chapter on the Ten Grounds brings to completion and consummates the aspiration, wisdom, compassion, and great vows prior to the grounds, this chapter must follow.