大般涅槃經集解 15.93

15.93

案僧亮曰：第四段，說四依植遠近也。遠者為師、近者為弟子，示功德之淺深，勸人修習也。僧宗曰：向以深山險難為譬，是知流通之日時處皆難，自非樹德深厚豈能宣化？今辨四依師，從修德之久近也。

Sengliang comments: The fourth section speaks of the temporal distance of the planting of roots by the four refuges. Those whose roots are distant become teachers; those whose roots are close become disciples, showing the shallow or deep nature of merit, and encouraging people to practice. Sengzong says: Previously, the perilous deep mountains were used as a simile, through which we know that the time, day, and place of propagation are all difficult; unless one has planted deep and thick virtue, how could one preach and convert? Now he distinguishes the teachers of the four refuges according to the duration of their cultivation of virtue.