觀無量壽佛經義疏 2.5

2.5

Second, the explanation of the sūtra text. The sūtra text is divided into three parts: namely, the three sections of preface, main body, and dissemination. From the beginning up to 'the place of pure karma' is the preface section. From 'At that time, the World-Honoured One emitted light from between his eyebrows' up to 'immeasurable devas generated the aspiration for supreme enlightenment' is the main body section. From 'At that time, Ānanda said to the Buddha: What should this sūtra be named?' down to the end of the text is the dissemination section. Dividing a sūtra into three parts began with Master Daoan; whether sections are more or fewer, or complete or deficient, varies according to the sūtra and need not be uniform.