大般涅槃經義記 5.328

5.328

眾生緣中，唯明修慈，餘略不辯。文中有二：一分慈境、二「於上親」下約境修慈。境中初先據要分三，後離為七。三中，「菩薩於諸眾生三品分別」總以標舉。「親、怨、中人」列其名字，下分此三，以之為七。親中分三，謂上、中、下，怨憎亦爾，即以為六，中品不分，是以不論，通之為七。

Within taking sentient beings as objects, it only clarifies the cultivation of benevolence, while the others are omitted without distinction. In the text there are two parts: first, dividing the spheres of benevolence; second, from "toward upper dear ones" onward, cultivating benevolence with reference to the spheres. Within the spheres, it first divides them into three based on the essentials, and later separates them into seven. Within the three, "a bodhisattva distinguishes sentient beings into three grades" generally sets forth the proposition. "Dear ones, adversaries, and neutral persons" lists their names; below, it divides these three to make them seven. Within dear ones it divides them into three, namely, upper, middle, and lower; adversaries are also like this, which makes six; the middle grade is not divided and therefore is not discussed, making seven in total.