觀無量壽佛經義疏 2.7

2.7

First, the preface testifying to faith has six [parts]: 1. 'Thus' refers to the Dharma preached in the main body. 2. 'I have heard': Ānanda personally heard it from the Buddha, clarifying that it was not his own speech. 3. 'At one time': the period of time from the initial gathering of the assembly to the conclusion of the session, distinguishing it from other times. 4. 'The Buddha': the lord who preached the teaching, revealing that it was no other person. 5. 'In the city of Rājagṛha' downward: the place where the sūtra was preached. 6. 'Great bhikṣus' and so forth: the assembly that heard it together. First, pointing to the Dharma preached in the main body.