大般涅槃經集解 2.49

2.49

Sengliang states: Below this narrates those who came from afar. Their coming was not necessarily earlier or later, but the text cannot write them all at once, so it divides them into three times: first, the vast assemblies coming later; second, the vast assemblies whose offerings are superior; third, solely because their offerings are superior.
Sengzong states: The assemblies of the time listed in this sūtra are not necessarily the same as in other sūtras. Because the voice-hearers' virtue is narrow and they cannot broadly transform [beings], they mostly attend close at his side; therefore they are listed first.
Baoliang states: This lists those who received the light and arrived on the morning of the fifteenth day. "Monks" lists their status; "arhats" praises their virtue.
Daohui's Notes state: In listing the assembly, there are five distinctions in all: first, the eighty hundred thousand koṭis, meaning the inner retinue; second, the time when there were immeasurable great disciples, meaning the outer retinue; third, from the upāsakas downward, they are placed behind according to the superiority of their offerings and vast numbers; fourth, from the garuḍa king up to the mountain kings, they are placed behind solely because of their vast numbers; fifth, from the asaṃkhyeya ocean gods up to Boundless Body, they are placed behind solely because of their offerings.
It also notes: They are not necessarily all earlier and later, but are sequenced conceptually. However, if listing earlier and later exists, it does not exceed four kinds: first, sequenced by status; second, sequenced by number; third, sequenced by offerings; fourth, not by status, number, or offerings, but simply listed in the middle according to those who came at that time.
Zhixiu states: Below this, up to the grove turning white, all were summoned by the voice, the light, and the shaking of the earth. However, the ordering of the items listed differs: at most it reaches five, at least it is only two. Speaking of five: first, listing the number; second, placing their status; third, praising their virtue; fourth, listing their names; fifth, narrating the manner of their coming. Speaking of two: first, listing the number; second, listing their names, and nothing more. Moreover, in listing their order, there are three grades: first, from here up to attaining sovereign power to magically create buddhas, lists the two monastic assemblies; because their path is small and they are close to the Buddha, they are listed first.
Mingjun states: Here six matters are listed: first, listing the number; second, stating their status; third, praising their provisional virtue; fourth, narrating their grief and sorrow; fifth, praising their real virtue; sixth, narrating the matter of their coming.