大般涅槃經義記 1.6

1.6

次釋其名。今言大涅槃者，乃是標經別部名也。經名不同，乃有多種，或有當法、或復就人、或時隨事、或從喻況、或就人法、或從法喻、或隨事法，其例非一。今此經者從法為名，法謂諸佛大涅槃果，故始舉之。此名不足，若依梵本，名為摩訶般涅槃那。摩訶名大，歎勝之詞。涅槃有三，謂聲聞、緣覺及佛所得。簡別前二不加，是故言大，體實絕待，寄對顯之。

Next, its title is explained. To speak now of 'Great Nirvāṇa' is to designate the specific title of this text. Scripture titles are not identical, being of many kinds: some correspond to dharmas, some refer to persons, some accord with events, some derive from similes, some refer to person and dharma, some derive from dharma and simile, and some accord with events and dharmas; such examples are more than one. Now, this sūtra takes its title from dharma. 'Dharma' refers to the fruit of the Great Nirvāṇa of the buddhas; therefore, it is raised at the outset. This title is not complete [in transcription]: if one relies on the Sanskrit text, it is called mahāparinirvāṇa. Mahā means great, an expression of praise for its excellence. Nirvāṇa is threefold: namely, that attained by śrāvakas, by pratyekabuddhas, and by the Buddha. To distinguish it, the former two do not add ['great']; therefore, it is called 'great.' Its essence in truth transcends duality, yet it is revealed by relying on contrast.