大般涅槃經義記 2.116

2.116

下次合之，前七句中但合五句，第一、第四略而不合。合第二中，初先正合，「何以」下釋，「如彼賊」下舉喻以帖。次合第三，「凡夫雖得戒、定、智慧」合賊得牛。「無有方便，不知解說」合無婦女。次合第五，「以是義故不能獲得常、戒、定」等，合漿難得，況復生蘇。「如彼賊」下舉喻以帖。次合第六，「群賊加水」牒舉前喻，「凡夫亦」下舉法以合。次合第七，「實亦不得解脫涅槃」合乳酪等一切俱失，「如彼賊」下舉喻以帖。

Next is the application. Among the preceding seven clauses, only five are applied; the first and fourth are omitted and not applied. In applying the second: first is the direct application; "why is this?" onwards explains; "like those thieves..." onwards adduces the simile to correspond to it. Next, applying the third: "Although ordinary beings obtain precepts, concentration, and wisdom..." applies to the thieves obtaining the cows; "having no expedient means and not knowing how to explain" applies to having no women. Next, applying the fifth: "For this reason they are unable to obtain eternity, precepts, concentration..." applies to sour milk being difficult to obtain, much less butter; "like those thieves..." onwards adduces the simile to correspond. Next, applying the sixth: "The band of thieves added water" quotes the preceding simile; "ordinary beings also..." onwards adduces the Dharma to apply it. Next, applying the seventh: "In reality they also do not attain liberation and nirvāṇa" applies to all things like milk and curds being lost; "like those thieves..." onwards adduces the simile to correspond.