勝鬘寶窟 2.2

2.2

From "At that time Queen Śrīmālā..." onward, the fourth chapter clarifies embracing the saddharma; it is explained through three approaches:

First, the approach of the purpose of arrival. If clarifying the sequence of preaching the Dharma: the three chapters above clarified the upāya of initiating the preaching, whereas this single chapter directly clarifies the preaching of the Dharma. Master Bin of Jiangnan specifically offered this explanation, and Master An of Zhongsi also transmitted this understanding, fully as explained before. If explained in terms of the approach of transforming others: the three chapters above clarified Queen Śrīmālā's own generating of practices and vows—saying it and immediately practicing it, referring to the benefits performed by herself; from here onward, the ten chapters of the sūtra directly clarify preaching the Dharma for others. If arranged according to the sequence of cause and effect: the three chapters above were all practices and vows generated by a bodhisattva before the bhūmis, termed mundane practices—that is, the causal approach; now, clarifying embracing the saddharma, realizing and awakening to principle, refers to supramundane practice—termed the approach of the fruit. If arranged in contrast to the two chapters: the two chapters above of the sūtra are called the brief exposition; from here onward it is called the broad exposition. As for the brief exposition: the tenth vow states "embracing the saddharma, never letting it be forgotten or lost"; the third vow states "in embracing the saddharma, relinquishing body, life, and wealth to guard and protect it". Although these two chapters proclaimed the words "embracing the saddharma", because they were not yet explained, they are called brief; from here onward, broadly clarifying the marks of practice in embracing the saddharma, it is therefore called broad. As for the linked and interlocking arising in sequence: above, it clarified that the three vows encompass all vows; here, it clarifies that the three vows are encompassed to enter together into the single vow of embracing the saddharma.