大般涅槃經義記 1.13

1.13

壽命品者，依多品經，名為序品；依小品經，名壽命品。諸經立品，大例有三：或有從廣、或復就略、或當相以名。此言壽命，從略言耳，以下迦葉偈請之後，明其慈悲不殺因緣，得壽命長，就此彰名，名壽命品。命限稱壽，神慧不斷，目之為命。品者品別，亦可品者是其品類，隨其所明，類類同聚，故言品類。此經合有十三章別，此品建始，故稱第一。

"Lifespan Chapter": According to the extensive-chapter recension, it is called the "Introductory Chapter"; according to the brief-chapter recension, it is called the "Lifespan Chapter." The establishment of chapters in sūtras generally follows three patterns: some follow the extensive, some follow the brief, or some are named according to their marks. Here, calling it "Lifespan" follows the brief. After Kāśyapa's verse-request below, it explains that through the causes and conditions of loving-kindness, compassion, and non-killing, long life is obtained; the title is designated in view of this, and hence it is called the "Lifespan Chapter." A limit of life is termed "longevity" (shou), while the continuity of spiritual wisdom is designated as "life" (ming). A "chapter" (pin) means a division; it can also be said that a pin is a category: according to what is clarified, those of the same class are gathered together, hence called categories. This sūtra has thirteen distinct chapters in total; this chapter is the beginning, and is therefore called the first.