大般涅槃經義記 7.19

7.19

問曰：等為差別兩行，以何義故不先為他？解有三義：一起行次第，要先自行方能利他，故先自為；二聞、不聞，琉璃菩薩本國先問，今乘彼請是以先問；三聞、不聞是初德體，乘上所辨是故先問。

Question: Since they equally constitute the two distinct practices, for what reason does he not act on behalf of others first? The explanation has three aspects: First, in the sequence of initiating practice, one must first cultivate oneself before being able to benefit others; therefore, he acts for himself first. Second, regarding hearing and not hearing, Bodhisattva Vaiḍūryaprabha had previously asked about this in his original land, and now continuing that request, he therefore asks about it first. Third, hearing and not hearing are the substance of the initial virtue; continuing the discernment above, he therefore asks about them first.