觀無量壽佛經義疏 1.5

1.5

Before explaining this sūtra, doctrinal headings are first presented to make the overall meaning known, after which we enter the sūtra to divide the text and explain it section by section. The first part is divided into four: first, the origin and cause for the emergence of the teaching; second, the scope encompassing the teachings; third, determining the central doctrine; fourth, distinguishing similarities and differences. The first, the origin and cause for the emergence of the teaching, has two parts: first, a general explanation of the emergence of the teachings of [the Buddha's] entire lifetime; second, a specific account of the emergence of this sūtra's teaching.