觀無量壽佛經義疏 3.246

3.246

"Immeasurable devas gave rise to the unexcelled aspiration for the Path." When the Buddha expounded this contemplation method in the inner palace, Ānanda and Maudgalyāyana attended upon the Buddha to his left and right; only the lady, the attendants, and the devas were present as the audience, with no one else hearing it. Later, having returned to Vulture Peak, Ānanda recounted it again, and only then did the great assembly of bodhisattvas get to hear it together. Third, the dissemination section has two parts: first, up to "they all rejoiced greatly", the entrustment and dissemination delivered from the seat in the inner palace; second, from "At that time the World-Honoured One..." downward, returning to Vulture Peak and reiterating it for dissemination. Because the assemblies in both places heard, believed, and accepted it, it was transmitted successively without end. First, the entrustment in the inner palace has four parts: first, establishing the name and instructing on its upholding; second, encouraging cultivation and obtaining benefits; third, entrusting its recollection and preservation; fourth, the assembly hears and rejoices. First, establishing the name and instructing on its upholding has two parts: first, asking both about the name and the upholding; second, replying separately. First, asking both about the name and the upholding.