阿彌陀經疏 1.44

1.44

From “and together with the various” downward is the bodhisattva assembly. This again has three parts: first, clarifying their category; second, listing their names; third, the concluding summary. In the first text, “bodhisattva”: bodhi is translated here as awakening, and sattva is translated here as sentient being; it means seeking awakening above through wisdom, and rescuing sentient beings below through compassion. In the listing of names, “Mañjuśrī” is translated here as “Wondrous Virtue,” because the wondrous three virtues are partially opened and disclosed. As for “Dharma Prince,” the Da zhidu lun states: “The Buddha is the Dharma King; bodhisattvas who enter the correct rank of the Dharma up to the tenth stage are all therefore called Dharma Princes, all qualified to become buddhas, just like Mañjuśrī.” “Ajita” is translated here as “Invincible,” because he surpasses the one-sided and lesser paths. “Gandhahastin” is translated here as “Never Resting,” because the correct contemplation of the Middle Way flows in thought after thought. “Nityodyukta” means being without the indolence of the two extremes. “Together with such as these” is the concluding summary.