無量壽經連義述文贊 2.34

2.34

On the passage in the sūtra from "the Venerable Ānanda" to "knelt on both knees with joined palms": The commentary states: The second part is the section of questions, answers, and extensive exposition. It has six parts: first, asking about the Buddha's displayed marks; second, inquiring into the reason; third, manifesting the inquiry and making a personal request; fourth, praising the inquiry and granting permission; fifth, Ānanda wishing to hear; sixth, the Tathāgata's extensive exposition. The first also has two parts: this first expresses the etiquette of making an inquiry. "The noble intention" refers to the intention behind the Tathāgata displaying these marks. Because [the Buddha] secretly added his majesty, it says "receiving the noble intention." "Kneeling on both knees" is the name for touching both knees to the ground.