阿彌陀經通贊疏 1.7

1.7

First, regarding the general account of the origins: The Buddha made vast vows on the causal ground, vowing to cross over sentient beings; now, in fulfillment of those past causes, he speaks the various dharmas. Thus the "Expedient Means" chapter of the Lotus Sūtra states: "Śāriputra, you should know that originally I made a vow wishing to make all beings equal to myself without distinction." The "Lifespan" chapter also states: "I constantly contemplate this: 'By what means can I cause sentient beings to enter the unsurpassable path and swiftly accomplish the Buddha body?' Whether formerly on the causal ground or now at the stage of fruition, I constantly make the vow wishing to cause sentient beings, like myself, to enter the Buddha path." Therefore, in recompense for his fundamental vow, he spoke the various sūtras. Furthermore, as the treatise states: when the Bodhisattva was first born, he emitted great light radiating everywhere throughout the ten directions, walked seven paces, looked in the four directions, roared the lion's roar, and spoke a verse saying: "My rebirth in the womb is ended; this is my very last body. Having already attained liberation, I shall again liberate sentient beings." In recompense for this vow, he spoke the various sūtras.