無量壽經連義述文贊 2.52

2.52

The sūtra says: from “With the power of a single meal” to “his radiant countenance being no different.” The commentary states: This is the latter part, confirming what Ānanda saw. “The power of a single meal” is the cause of giving food. From “being able to abide for a lifespan” up to “or even exceeding this” builds upon praising the lifespan. From “the faculties being joyful” up to “his radiant countenance being no different” directly confirms what was seen. “The faculties being joyful” is what was seen earlier. “Without impairment” distinguishes the meaning of joyful. “His complexion not changing” corresponds to the earlier “pure complexion,” for purity signifies unchanging. “His radiant countenance being no different” corresponds to the earlier “towering radiant countenance,” for towering signifies being without difference. Although giving food has five fruits, only lifespan and complexion are confirmed here because complexion is what is manifested and lifespan is what is relied upon. Some say: “Without impairment,” “not changing,” and “no different” all distinguish constancy. This is not correct. If it were constant, Ānanda would not have said that he had never seen it so wondrous as today.