觀無量壽佛經疏 2.54

2.54

Question: 'The remonstrative words were harsh and coarse, not avoiding offending the king. Since the duty between lord and minister was already breached, why did they not turn around and walk straight away, but instead it says they retreated backward?' Answer: 'Although their harsh words opposed the king, they hoped to put an end to his intention to harm his mother; yet fearing that his poison of wrath had not been eliminated and that drawing his sword he would endanger them, they pressed their hands on their swords to defend themselves and retreated backward.'