大般涅槃經集解 31.28

31.28

Sengliang comments: That 'water is not included in the restrictions on medicines' means that while herbs and stones have their distinct functions—such that taking one excludes the other and they cannot be combined—water is unobstructed. Giving differs in its practice or suspension, whereas the path is universally penetrative. Why? As the sūtras say: 'There are five persons in the world who do not praise five things, such as not praising giving to the stingy.' Sengzong says: Below this there are six similes. The first three similes clarify that the path is one, corresponding to the latter three similes. The latter three similes rely on the previous broad exposition to reveal that the path is one. The intent of this simile is to clarify that although the path may be one, because sentient beings' illnesses differ, the medicines prescribed for them are also different. Baoliang says: The 'various medicines' are a simile for the diverse expoundings of the Dharma being different. The 'single kind of water' is a simile for the path. The disparity of medicinal properties is a simile for the suitability of a particular time, serving as an excellent net to advance on the path and an essential provision to attain the unconditioned (asaṃskṛta).