無量壽經連義述文贊 1.45

1.45

The sūtra says: from "entering kingdoms for alms" up to "manifesting as fields of merit." The commentary states: This third part is receiving offerings to generate merit. In Sanskrit, *piṇḍapāta*; here it is translated as begging for food. The present term *fenwei* (分衛) is a corruption. 'Alms and abundant viands' is receiving offerings. 'Storing virtue and manifesting as fields' is generating merit. 'Storing' (貯, reading *zhu*): receiving and containing is called 'storing'; 'storing' also means accumulating. Once the accumulated virtue is broad, visibly receiving worldly offerings to generate blessings and benefits can be compared to a field. As for wishing to proclaim the Dharma and displaying joyful smiles, the commentary states: Fourth, expounding the Dharma to cause [beings] to cultivate the Path. There are two parts: this initial part indicates the signs of being about to speak, its meaning being identical to the text below.