大般涅槃經集解 7.42

7.42

Daosheng states: They say that if the Buddha stays in the world to teach us, then we will be able to follow the Buddha in entering this nirvāṇa. Sengliang states: Above, they praised their former three cultivations and sought a determination from the Tathāgata. The Tathāgata having already decided, although the monks awakened to the fact that their former cultivation was inverted, they have not yet obtained the later cultivation for their practice; hence they request instruction and guidance, to receive it on their heads and practice it. Following the Buddha into nirvāṇa: since the cultivation was inverted, how could they abide together with this poisonous body? If the Buddha manifests extinction, they would follow the Buddha and depart. Sengzong states: Previously they requested him not to abide, retreating to preserve the former teaching. Having now received clarification, they first realized they had not yet attained comprehension. Respectfully submitting to his previous words, [they realize:] 'Since we have inversions, we must eliminate them; if you do not abide, we wish to follow the Buddha in attaining extinction.' Examining the intention of attaining extinction, it seems to still conform to the former teaching. Although they do not demand that he abide, their intention is not to let go; this is why they dare not speak openly. Clinging to the teaching, having now received clarification, their shame lies in not having yet attained comprehension. Baoliang states: This is the beginning of the third request below. Within this there are also three intentions: first, directly expressing understanding; second, requesting the Buddha to abide and teach us the superior three cultivations; third, if the Buddha does not accept our request, we should now follow the Buddha into nirvāṇa, pressing the Buddha with death. Zhixiu states: The superior cultivation having been revealed, the depth of their awakening and understanding was slight; now they again request the Buddha to abide and speak it again for them. Saying they will follow the Buddha into nirvāṇa does not mean there is another nirvāṇa to enter; because the Buddha previously said that when attaining nirvāṇa one must abandon the body, they used words of earnest principle as their request.