無量壽經義疏 1.4

1.4

此經始終，文別有三：序、正、流通。初至「對曰願樂欲聞」，是其由序。「佛告阿難乃往過去久遠」已下，是其正宗。「佛語彌勒其有得聞彼佛名號歡喜」已下，是其流通。化必有由，故先明序。由序既興，正陳所說，故次第二辨其正宗。聖者說法為利群品，說經既竟，嘆勝勸學、付屬傳持，故次第三辨其流通。

From beginning to end, the text of this sūtra is divided into three parts: the preface, the core exposition, and the transmission. From the beginning up to 'he replied, "I joyfully wish to hear,"' is its preface. From 'The Buddha told Ānanda: In the distant past,' onwards is its core exposition. From 'The Buddha said to Maitreya: If there are those who hear that Buddha's name and rejoice,' onwards is its transmission. Transformation must have an origin; therefore the preface is explained first. Once the preface has arisen, it properly presents what is expounded; therefore, the core exposition is distinguished second. The sage expounds the Dharma to benefit the multitude; once the exposition of the sūtra is concluded, praising its excellence, encouraging study, and entrusting its propagation follow; therefore, its transmission is distinguished third.