大般涅槃經集解 62.32

62.32

Sengliang notes: The ninth section praises the sūtra. The merits and wisdom of the buddhas and bodhisattvas truly have their root in the sūtra; therefore it is praised. Sengzong says: Above it said that persons are benefited through the sūtra, which means that the sūtra possesses the quality of assisting and bringing people to completion; hence it is praised next. Baoliang says: The ocean has eight virtues to serve as a metaphor for the sūtra. First, due to the merits of sentient beings, the ocean gradually deepens. Sentient beings have resonance [with the teaching]; therefore the instructions of the sūtra proceed in order from shallow to deep. Second, it moves according to the wind: the buddhas and bodhisattvas transform [sentient beings] according to conditions. Third, rivers entering it: this explains that nirvāṇa is a vessel that takes in all lives. From here downward, the rest are analogous.