無量壽經連義述文贊 3.25

3.25

On the sūtra's words from "Thoroughly attaining the wisdom of supernormal powers" to "bow their heads to the Unexcelled Honoured One," the Commentary states: Next is paying reverence through internal action. "Thoroughly" means consummate; "attaining" means completely comprehending. When both supernormal powers and wisdom are consummately and completely comprehended, it says "wisdom of supernormal powers"—meaning that supernormal powers are consummate and wisdom is completely comprehended. Observing extensively is termed "roaming"; exhausting the source is termed "entering." The "profound dharmas" are what is entered by wisdom; the "profound portals" are what is roamed by supernormal powers; hence, these are the pair of supernormal powers and wisdom. Because meritorious practices are fulfilled, they "possess a treasury of merit"; because wise practices are extraordinary, "their wisdom has no peer." Merit assists wisdom, and wisdom is the path of merit; hence, these are the pair of merit and wisdom. Some claim that both of these pairs praise the Buddha's own virtues. This is incorrect, because supernormal powers are the marvelous art of transforming sentient beings. Furthermore, their claim that wisdom is the basis of supernormal powers and supernormal powers are the function of wisdom is also incorrect. Since supernormal powers are worldly wisdom, they must possess both substance and function. "Sun of wisdom" is a designation drawn from a metaphor. The three of delusion, karma, and suffering can veil true emptiness and the sun and moon of wisdom, just as clouds veil the sky and the sun and moon; hence they are called "clouds of birth and death." The Buddha's wisdom reaches the real and can eliminate the obstacles of delusion, karma, and suffering in oneself and others; hence it is called the "sun of wisdom." Causing beings to give rise to understanding, it therefore says "illuminating the world."