大般涅槃經集解 36.43

36.43

Sengliang states: First, the characteristics of the four immeasurables are explained. All four are loving-kindness; they are divided into four according to depth. The treatises have explicit text, so words need not be wasted. Sengzong states: Loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity are of the nature of wisdom; because their functions have superiority and inferiority, names are established from different aspects, which is why there are four. When speaking of “immeasurable,” the title is derived from that which is taken as object. As compassion pulls out suffering, sentient beings receive deliverance and the intention has no biased benefit; taking the immeasurable as object, it is therefore called “immeasurable.” Baoliang states: The second major section clarifies the practice of transforming others externally. It is divided into seven levels: First, analyzing the names and numbers of the four immeasurables. Second, clarifying the depth of the four minds. Third, revealing that these four practices are real. Fourth, briefly concluding that the fruit of the three immeasurables is at the first bhūmi, belonging to the position of existence. Fifth, separately concluding that the fruit of equanimity is also at the first bhūmi, taking emptiness as its position. Sixth, clarifying that after the four minds are perfected, ascending from the first bhūmi onwards, one further cultivates the eleven types of emptiness and attains superior, supreme undefiled states; arriving at the tenth bhūmi, once it is clarified that the eleven types of emptiness are fulfilled and equal to the adamantine mind, three parables are repeatedly set forth in praise. Seventh, from the eight kinds of knowledge and vision, sequentially completing the three parables above. From here down to the Ground of the Only Son, the second section clarifies that the essence of pure practice is precisely the four immeasurables. There are three turns: The first ends with being named the immeasurable samādhi, where the name “immeasurable” is established as four.