觀無量壽佛經疏 2.19

2.19

答曰：「解有二義。一、就佛解，二、就外道解。就佛解者，此諸外道，邪風久扇，非是一生。雖入真門，氣習由在。故使如來知覺，不令外化。畏損眾生正見根芽、惡業增長，此世後生，不收果實。為此因緣，攝令自近，不聽外益。此即就佛解竟。次就外道解者。迦葉等意，自唯曠劫久沈生死，循還六道，苦不可言。愚癡惡見，封執邪風，不值明師，永流於苦海。但以宿緣有遇，得會慈尊。法澤無私，我曹蒙潤。尋思佛之恩德，碎身之極惘然。致使親事靈儀，無由暫替。此即就外道解竟。」

Answer: "The explanation has two meanings: 1. Explained with respect to the Buddha; 2. Explained with respect to the non-Buddhists. Explained with respect to the Buddha: these non-Buddhists had long been fanned by heterodox winds, not just for a single lifetime. Though entering the true gate, residual habits still remained. Therefore, the Tathāgata kept them in awareness and did not allow them to transform others outside, fearing damage to the sprouts of sentient beings' right view and the growth of evil karma, such that in this life and future rebirths they would harvest no fruit. For this reason, he gathered them close to himself and did not permit external benefaction. This concludes the explanation with respect to the Buddha. Next, explained with respect to the non-Buddhists: the intention of Kāśyapa and the others was that they considered how through vast kalpas they had long sunk in saṃsāra, revolving through the six paths with unspeakable suffering. Due to ignorance and evil views, obstinately clinging to heterodox winds, they did not encounter a clear teacher, perpetually drifting in the ocean of suffering. Only through past conditions did they meet the Compassionate Honoured One. The moisture of the Dharma is impartial, and we received its soaking. Reflecting on the Buddha's benevolence and virtue, even shattering the body would fall utter short. As a result, they personally attended upon his spiritual presence, with no cause ever to pause even briefly. This concludes the explanation with respect to the non-Buddhists."