大般涅槃經集解 2.17

2.17

I note that Sengliang says: "In each direction there are two trees, totaling eight. They are about fifty feet tall, joined above and separated below, their blossoms very white and their fruits like jars, fully endowed with fragrance. Now, with two trees flourishing and two trees withered, it clarifies that the Dharma is not partial. Formerly, at the place of awakening, [the Buddha] taught partially, hence there was a single tree; today the teaching is complete, metaphorically represented by the twins." Fayao says: "It means the solid forest. Wind and frost cannot alter it, and the four seasons cannot change it; this compares to the adamantine substance of the dharmakāya. Old age and death cannot change it, and moment-to-moment thought cannot alter it; this is the characteristic of permanence and bliss. It concurrently dispels the intention to cling to permanence and bliss." Sengzong says: "The reason it is called solid is that it was guarded by the four devas. This signifies that the Dharma preached by the Buddha is protected by the fourfold assembly and will never be lost. Being within the forest and by the water: being in the forest calms disturbance, and being near the water brings purity, manifesting that the Tathāgata is tranquil and without encumbrance." Baoliang says: "It also refutes clinging. Sentiments of beings held that past Buddhas all entered nirvāṇa in this place, protected by the four devas, considering it secure and firm. Now it is refuted, saying: this is not an enduring phenomenon. If one can remain uncorrupted by the four māras, only that is supreme firmness."