觀無量壽佛經義疏 2.14

2.14

'Together with a great assembly of bhikṣus, one thousand two hundred and fifty persons.' In terms of aspirations and vows, the bodhisattvas come first; but taking comportment here, the śrāvakas are placed at the head. The śrāvakas are again twofold: the great bhikṣus are the foremost disciples—Kāśyapa, Ānanda, Maudgalyāyana, Śāriputra, and others. The single character 'great' praises their virtues: in Sanskrit, mahā, translated here as great, many, and superior. Honoured by humans and devas, they are called 'great'; having comprehensive understanding of the sūtras and treatises, they are called 'many'; transcending heterodox paths, they are called 'superior'. In the causal stage he is called a bhikṣu, which has three meanings: mendicant, frightener of Māra, and destroyer of evil. The fruit title is arhat, which also has three meanings: worthy of offerings, killer of thieves, and without rebirth. In Sanskrit, saṃgha, translated here as assembly. Four or more persons harmonious and without dispute, performing karmans and reciting the precepts, able to accomplish all matters of extinguishing evil and generating good, are therefore called an assembly. 'One thousand two hundred and fifty persons' are the retinue disciples. The three Kāśyapa brothers together had one thousand disciples; Maudgalyāyana and Śāriputra together had two hundred and fifty. Formerly, they were all fire-worshipping heterodox practitioners; having long endured severe austerities without any realization, upon once seeing the Tathāgata they immediately attained the holy fruit. Feeling deeply grateful for the Buddha's kindness, they constantly attended upon him. Second, the bodhisattva assembly has three [parts]: first, showing the rank; second, listing the number; third, briefly designating the leaders. First, showing the rank.