大般涅槃經集解 23.32

23.32

Sengliang comments: A person who has transgressed the grave precepts does not sever the kuśalamūlas; compared to an icchantika, they are slightly superior, and hence likened to a king. Inevitably entering hell is likened to an incurable fatal illness. The retribution being in the future and not visible at present is likened to being inside the belly. The vinaya being able to treat sin is likened to a purgative medicine. Exhorting them to look into the vinaya, yet they are unwilling to believe, is likened to being unwilling to take it. The power of the sūtra inducing dreams that make one suffer in hell—hell being the downward path—is likened to ulcers growing at the anus. Also undergoing retribution as animals is likened to worms and blood discharging together. Fayao comments: 'You do not see what is inside my belly' means not believing that severing kuśalamūlas brings retribution in hell. 'Should take purgative medicine' means that when an icchantika first enters hell, they immediately have three thoughts, which is knowing for oneself. The sūtra explaining the superior principle is like the physician addressing the king. The skill and power of the skilled physician is likened to the true principle of permanence. The hidden place is likened to hell. Baoliang comments: The tenth parable: all Buddhas skilfully preach the sūtra teachings of the five periods.