大般涅槃經集解 36.7

36.7

Sengliang states: “Sūtra” contains five meanings, as explained in the sūtra. Sengzong states: “Knowing the Dharma” refers to the twelve divisions of the canon, from “Thus have I heard” down through “rejoiced and practiced accordingly.” Baoliang states: This refers to knowing the twelve divisions of the canon. However, these words denote the analytical knowledge of Dharmas (dharmapratisaṃvid)—being able to recognize the distinctions, nominal characteristics, and substantial differences of Dharmas, and skillfully comprehending their essential purport. If not the analytical knowledge of Dharmas, what else could it be? Therefore, it is now relied upon to apprehend the Dharma. In that which the twelve divisions of the canon elucidate, the principle is universally pervasive throughout all of them. Regarding Dharmas such as the four truths and the twelve links of dependent origination, there is not a single sūtra that does not elucidate this principle; this is why it crowns and pervades all divisions. Now, in elucidating their division into distinct categories, their differences are marked merely in accordance with the affairs and meanings they analyze. The names of the twelve divisions are all foreign sounds. “Sūtra” is translated here as “root of the Dharma” (faben) and also as “root of the canon” (jingben). Because it can generate the wisdom that contemplates objects, it is called the “root of the Dharma.” If taken from “Thus have I heard” down to “rejoiced and practiced accordingly,” comprehending both text and principle, it universally serves as the root for the other eleven divisions; it is precisely through this meaning that it is named sūtra.