無量壽經連義述文贊 2.12

2.12

The sūtra says: from "bodhisattva scriptures" up to "guiding the ten directions." The commentary states: Second, extensive praise. There are four parts: first, cultivating practices of their own level relying on bodhisattva teachings; second, cultivating practices of the superior level relying on Tathāgata teachings; third, virtues accomplished at their own level; fourth, virtues accomplished through superior advancement. This is the first. 'Scriptures' (典) means constant; 'investigating' (究) means exhausting; 'clarifying' (暢) means presenting and penetrating; 'essentials' (要) means the essential path; 'wondrous' (妙) means the wondrous Dharma. In the teachings of their own level, they exhaust the essential path and thoroughly present the wondrous tenets, hence called 'investigating and clarifying the essentials and the wondrous'; this is benefiting oneself. Extraordinary virtues held within, fine renown flowing abroad, there is nothing that does not praise them; hence 'their name universally reaches'. 'Guiding' (導御) is benefiting others.