觀無量壽佛經義疏 2.36

2.36

"At that time, after paying homage, Vaidehī raised her head and saw the World-Honoured One, the Buddha Śākyamuni, his body of purple-gold colour, seated upon a lotus flower of a hundred jewels, with Maudgalyāyana attending on the left and Ānanda on the right, while Śakra, Brahmā, the world-protecting devas, and all the gods were in the open sky, universally raining celestial flowers and presenting them as offerings." Seeing the Buddha has four excellences: first, the colour of his body; second, the lotus seat; third, the attendants on his left and right; fourth, the offerings of the devas. Śākya is translated as "Capable of Benevolence," which is the response body. Muni is translated as "Silent One," which is the Dharma body. The upper is concealed and the lower responds, with the reward body encompassed between them. Śakra is Śakra Devānām Indra, fully transcribed as Śakro Devānām Indrah, translated here as "Able Lord of the Devas," the lord of the Heaven of the Thirty-Three. Brahmā is the Great Brahmā Heavenly King, lord of the Form Realm heavens. The world-protectors are the Four Heavenly Kings and others. An ancient commentary asks: "Bimbisāra and Vaidehī both requested disciples; why did he previously send disciples, but later went in person? What was the intent? Explanation: There are two meanings. First, King Ajātaśatru had murdered his father; if the Buddha had gone in person, resentment and hatred would have arisen, so it was to protect his mind. Second, to practice the Buddha's Dharma one must rely on the king of the state; Bimbisāra was certain to die, and King Ajātaśatru would ascend the throne. If the Buddha had gone in person, obstacles would have arisen so that it could not be practiced; this was to protect the Dharma. With Vaidehī, these did not apply, so going in person was unhindered." Fourth, seeing the Buddha and seeking the Dharma, in two parts: first, making prostrations to express veneration; second, requesting the Dharma. First, making prostrations to express veneration.