無量壽經連義述文贊 2.29

2.29

On the passage in the sūtra from "upholding the Tathāgata's" to "constantly causing it not to be severed": The commentary states: Fourth, this reiterates the virtue accomplished through the cultivation of the superior stage. It has two parts: first, distinguishing the practice cultivated; second, expressing the virtue accomplished. The first also has two parts: first, the cultivation of self-benefit. Some say: The profound Dharma treasury is the tathāgatagarbha; once dark hindrances are removed, it is revealed in one's own mind, hence it says "upholding." The perfections of the Dharmadhātu are the Buddha-lineage; guarding them so that they are free from obstacles and constantly giving rise to goodness is called "constantly causing it not to be severed." This is likely incorrect. Since the nature of the tathāgatagarbha is the true essence, one certainly cannot speak of upholding the Dharma treasury in this sense. Since it says "Dharma treasury" and also says "upholding," one knows that it refers to the teaching, not the Buddha-nature. Now, by upholding the Buddha's teachings so that they abide long in the world, those endowed with nature rely on them to plant goodness; hence they are constantly caused not to be severed. This is the same as the Sūtra on the Upward Rebirth [of Maitreya] saying: "Uphold this well, and do not sever the lineage of the Buddhas."