觀無量壽佛經疏 2.2

2.2

From here below, examining the text, its meaning is briefly explained through five gates: First, from "Thus have I heard" down to "harassed by the five sufferings, how might I see the World of Sukhāvatī?", this clarifies the introductory section. Second, from the opening line of the sun contemplation, "The Buddha told Vaidehī: 'You and sentient beings...'", down to the lowest level of the lowest grade, this clarifies the main section. Third, from "When this was said" down to the gods producing [bodhi]citta, this directly clarifies the section on obtaining benefit. Fourth, from "Ānanda addressed the Buddha" down to Vaidehī and the others rejoicing, this clarifies the dissemination section. These four meanings comprise the direct teaching in the single assembly where the Buddha was at the royal palace. Fifth, Ānanda recounting it for the great assembly at Gṛdhrakūṭa constitutes another assembly, which also has three parts: 1. From "Then the World-Honoured One walked through empty space and returned to Mount Gṛdhrakūṭa" onwards, this clarifies its introductory section. 2. From Ānanda widely recounting the aforementioned matters for the great assembly onwards, this clarifies the main section. 3. From "The entire great assembly rejoiced and put it into practice" onwards, this clarifies the dissemination section. Now, transformation must have a cause, so the preface is clarified first. The preface having arisen, the teaching to be delivered is directly set forth; next the main section is clarified. The explanation having been fully completed, wishing to transmit and uphold what was taught for latter ages, praising its excellence and encouraging study, the dissemination section is clarified last. Although above there are five different meanings, this briefly concludes the examination of the preface, the main section, and the dissemination section.