無量壽經連義述文贊 2.36

2.36

On the passage in the sūtra from "Yes indeed, Great Sage" to "extraordinary Dharma": The commentary states: This second [part] reveals what he himself thought. Dharma Master [Hui]yuan says: "Although there are five thoughts, the first generally indicates [the whole], while the latter four specifically express [the details]; therefore, there are only four intentions." That is, the objects of the latter four thoughts do not exist in the world, hence they are called extraordinary. This is likely incorrect. The Dharma in which the Buddha abides is not fully encompassed by these five thoughts, let alone four; therefore, one cannot take the five as a general statement and speak of four. If one says that because it says "extraordinary," one knows it is a general sentence, then since the virtues of the Tathāgata also have no separate referent, it should not be a separate thought. Now Ānanda briefly sets forth five thoughts, each with its own designation; this is the first thought. Some say: *Wei* [唯, yes indeed] has the meaning of exclusive, declaring that he exclusively thought [of this]. This is incorrect, as it contradicts the etiquette of worldly classical forms of address and response. Now, *weiran* [唯然] is a response to the words above. Speaking generally of "today" distinguishes it from past and future occasions. The marks displayed by relying on the wheel of supernatural powers are not only extraordinary but also peerless; hence it says "extraordinary." This is also the reason for establishing the title World-Honoured One.