大般涅槃經集解 36.3

36.3

案僧亮曰：以四等為體也。本是梵天道，仍本名也。亦云：梵是淨義。聖行是自淨，四等是淨他，自淨淨他故得梵名也。得具梵行者，先以七善自正，後能四等正人。稱七善者，能具前四以治內，具後三以治外，皆自正義也。寶亮曰：大判此品有四段，第一舉七善為自行之體也；第二從四無量心以下竟六念，正談外化；第三在體既顯，便讚歎流通也；第四闍世證此經能滅大惡，亦證慈悲有實益也。智秀曰：此品有五段，第一明梵行因，即七善也；第二明梵行體，即四無量也；第三明梵行果；第四歎經；第五以闍世為證也。

Sengliang comments: It takes the four equalities as its essence. It was originally the path of the Brahmā heaven, so it retains its original name. It is also said: brahma has the meaning of purity. Holy action is self-purification, while the four equalities are purifying others; purifying oneself and purifying others, it therefore obtains the name brahma. One who is able to fully possess pure practices first corrects oneself through the seven wholesome [qualities], and afterwards can correct others through the four equalities. As for being called the seven wholesome [qualities]: being able to possess the first four corrects the internal, and possessing the latter three corrects the external; both carry the meaning of self-correction.
Baoliang says: In broad division, this chapter has four sections. First, adducing the seven wholesome [qualities] as the essence of self-practice. Second, from the four immeasurable minds down through the six recollections, directly discussing external transformation. Third, once the essence is manifested, praising and propagating it. Fourth, Ajātaśatru testifying that this sūtra can eradicate great evil, and also testifying that loving-kindness and compassion have real benefit.
Zhixiu says: This chapter has five sections. First, clarifying the causes of pure practice, namely the seven wholesome [qualities]. Second, clarifying the essence of pure practice, namely the four immeasurables. Third, clarifying the fruits of pure practice. Fourth, praising the sūtra. Fifth, using Ajātaśatru as verification.