大般涅槃經集解 24.48

24.48

Sengliang comments: Matters having been completed, the Buddha wishes to enter nirvāṇa; the great assembly entreats the Buddha, which serves as the chapter's title. Next it answers: 'How does he again manifest the culmination in nirvāṇa?' Down to his reclining, these five matters convey the meaning of manifesting nirvāṇa. The single matter at the beginning and the end relies on not eating and not being ill to prove that the Buddha does not perish but responds with perishing, thereby revealing that nirvāṇa is a manifestation. In between, three matters are opened to show that all matters are completed: knowing that the Buddha is permanent shows that present conversions are completed; speaking of remainder and non-remainder shows that future teachings are completed; bestowing prophecies on Mañjuśrī and others shows that the bodhisattvas' tasks are completed. Because of these five culiminations, he manifests perishing. Fayao says: Above, 'waxing like the crescent moon at the start of the month' first clarified the shallow and proximate teaching of impermanence. Here, speaking of the ultimate teaching of permanence and bliss, the word 'manifestation' clarifies that he truly does not perish, revealing the meaning of permanence. Sengzong says: This answers the twenty-sixth question; it is also called the Chapter on Rejoicing. Below, when the great assembly hears the Buddha speak of permanence, all rejoice. It also says: 'Cunda accomplishes the Path, and I too rejoice.' The end of the prose before the verses answers the question. In the verses, clarifying non-perishing makes the meaning of manifestation evident.