大般涅槃經集解 1.31

1.31

Sengliang sets forth: 'Sūtra' is in Indian sounds sūtra, a name containing five meanings. Sengzong sets forth: From ordinary being to sage, one passes through this principle. Baoliang says: It is that by which students obtain understanding; by this single word, the text and principle of the entire work are strung together. Zhixiu says: In India, texts that elucidate principle are collectively called sūtra. They fully contain manifold meanings, such as springing forth, subtle revelation, bubbling spring, marking line, and garland; as for the meaning of 'passing through', it is merely one of them. Fazhi says: There are two glosses. First, 'constant', meaning that these words accord with principle and none of the sages can alter them; second, 'by way of', meaning that by which one departs from the ordinary and enters sagehood. Fa'an says: 'Sūtra' has two kinds of glossed explanations: first, 'constant'; second, 'standard'. The foreign sūtra has many meanings; it is also called 'bubbling spring' and 'marking line'. Now, the meaning of 'constant' replaces their 'bubbling spring', clarifying that it flows without running dry. The meaning of 'standard' transforms their 'marking line', clarifying that when the rules are established, the standard targets do not disappear.