勝鬘寶窟 1.39

1.39

From "I have long established you" onwards, the second [part shows] the Tathāgata accepting the request and consenting to protection. The Buddha says: "In previous lifetimes I already acted as your master, establishing you within the saddharma." Question: What difference is there between Śrīmālā's request and this acceptance of the request? Answer: Śrīmālā only requested for two lives, but now [the Buddha] consents for three lives, meaning that in the past he once protected [her], in the present he now protects [her], and in the future he shall protect [her]. This clarifies: "Since vast kalpas in the past, I have long established you; therefore in the present life I meet with you now." One then knows that having met today, it will also be so in the future. This adduces the past to verify the present and the future; the meaning is one, though the terms differ. Initial founding is called "peace" (ān); ultimate accomplishment is called "establishment" (lì). Question: How does "establishing" differ from "awakening"? Answer: Causing you to rely on merit and abandon wrongdoing is called "establishing". Causing you to abandon both wrongdoing and merit is called "awakening". Furthermore, causing the generation of bodhicitta is "establishing"; cultivating bodhisattva practices is "awakening". Furthermore, departing from the distress and suffering of saṃsāra is "establishing"; gradually entering the gate of nirvāṇa is "awakening". Furthermore, "having long established" is establishing merit; "awakening" is awakening wisdom. "Now again I gather and receive you": gathering you with the Dharma to cause you to abide in the saddharma, receiving you as a disciple and I acting as your master; the future is also thus.