觀無量壽佛經疏 2.25

2.25

Second, within the circumstances of the imprisonment of the father, there are seven points: First, from “At that time, in the great city of Rājagṛha” downwards, it explains the place where the teaching was initiated in general. This explains that in ancient times, whenever the common people built houses in the city, they were burned by heavenly fire. But if it was a royal residence, no fire ever approached it. Later, the common people submitted a joint memorial to the king: “Whenever your subjects build houses, they are frequently burned by heavenly fire. Yet only the royal residences are never approached by fire. We do not know what the reason for this may be.” The king told the petitioners: “From now on, when you build houses, simply say: ‘I am now building a residence for the king.’” The petitioners followed the king’s decree, and upon returning and building their houses, they were never burned again. Because of this legend handed down, it was named Rājagṛha (King’s Residence). As for the words “great city,” this city was extremely large, with a population of nine hundred million; hence it is called “the great city of Rājagṛha.” As for “the place where the teaching was initiated,” there are two aspects: first, King Ajātaśatru aroused evil, which led to the circumstance of imprisoning his parents; through this imprisonment, [Vaidehī] grew weary of this Sahā world and vowed to be born in a world free of sorrow. Second, the Tathāgata responded to her invitation, emitting light that transformed into a tower wherein the wondrous forms [of the pure lands] appeared as reflections, and the queen consort sought rebirth in the Land of Peace and Bliss. Furthermore, with an earnest mind she requested practice, and the Buddha revealed the causes of the three blessings; the correct contemplation is the gate of meditative [good], and he further revealed the benefits of the nine grades. For these reasons, it is called the place where the teaching was initiated.