大般涅槃經義記 3.358

3.358

上來第一教學一體，自下第二會通昔別，先舉昔別，「為欲」下會。前中「如來名無上士」法說彰別，勝過法僧故曰無上。「譬如」已下喻說顯別。別相三寶合為人身，「頭最為上」喻佛最勝，「非餘支」等喻明別相法僧不如，下合可知。下次會之，「為欲化度諸世間故」示現別相，「如世梯橙」，佛高，次法、僧以為下。

The above first part taught the study of the single essence; from here, the second part integrates and reconciles the past distinct [marks]. First, the past distinct [marks] are adduced; from "in order to" downward, they are reconciled. In the former, "the Tathāgata is called the unexcelled person" uses a doctrinal explanation to display distinction: surpassing the Dharma and the Saṅgha, he is called unexcelled. From "for example" downward, an analogical explanation is used to manifest distinction: the Three Jewels of distinct marks are combined into a human body; "the head is topmost" illustrates that the Buddha is supreme; "not the other limbs" and so forth illustrate that the Dharma and Saṅgha of distinct marks are inferior; the application below can be understood. Next, he reconciles them: "in order to transform and deliver all worlds," he manifested distinct marks; "like a ladder in the world," the Buddha is high, while next the Dharma and the Saṅgha are considered low.