大般涅槃經集解 36.7

36.7

案僧亮曰：脩多羅者，含五義，如經敘也。僧宗曰：知法。謂十二部經者，從如是我聞訖歡喜奉行也。寶亮曰：謂知十二部經也。然此言即是法辯，能識法區分名相體別，善達其旨，非法辨如何。是以今據之以取法也。十二部經所明，理無不通。四諦十二緣等法，無一經而不明此理者，所以冠通諸部也。今明其部別者，遂所辨事義以標其異耳。然十二部名皆外國音。脩多羅者，此稱法本，亦言經本。能生觀境之智，故稱法本。若從如是我聞下訖歡喜奉行，總於文理，通為十一部作本，正以此義名脩多羅。

Sengliang states: “Sūtra” contains five meanings, as explained in the sūtra. Sengzong states: “Knowing the Dharma” refers to the twelve divisions of the canon, from “Thus have I heard” down through “rejoiced and practiced accordingly.” Baoliang states: This refers to knowing the twelve divisions of the canon. However, these words denote the analytical knowledge of Dharmas (dharmapratisaṃvid)—being able to recognize the distinctions, nominal characteristics, and substantial differences of Dharmas, and skillfully comprehending their essential purport. If not the analytical knowledge of Dharmas, what else could it be? Therefore, it is now relied upon to apprehend the Dharma. In that which the twelve divisions of the canon elucidate, the principle is universally pervasive throughout all of them. Regarding Dharmas such as the four truths and the twelve links of dependent origination, there is not a single sūtra that does not elucidate this principle; this is why it crowns and pervades all divisions. Now, in elucidating their division into distinct categories, their differences are marked merely in accordance with the affairs and meanings they analyze. The names of the twelve divisions are all foreign sounds. “Sūtra” is translated here as “root of the Dharma” (faben) and also as “root of the canon” (jingben). Because it can generate the wisdom that contemplates objects, it is called the “root of the Dharma.” If taken from “Thus have I heard” down to “rejoiced and practiced accordingly,” comprehending both text and principle, it universally serves as the root for the other eleven divisions; it is precisely through this meaning that it is named sūtra.