大般涅槃經義記 1.54

1.54

Within the monastic assembly, śrāvakas are listed first, followed by bodhisattvas; this is mostly the case across various sūtras. Why is it so? Generally speaking, there are four explanations: First, distinction by proximity and distance: śrāvakas constantly accompanied the Tathāgata, and since they are explained after the Buddha, they are listed first according to proximity, like the assembly of monks listed above. Bodhisattvas are not like this, so they are discussed later. Why did śrāvakas mostly stay close to the Tathāgata? There are two meanings in the explanation: 1. Śrāvakas have inferior wisdom and are not yet fully conversant with the Dharma of the Way; although they have attained the noble fruition, in their movements and deportment they constantly need the Buddha's instruction, which is why the Tathāgata constantly formulated precepts for them up until his parinirvāṇa. 2. The śrāvaka assembly was visibly saved by the Buddha, abandoning the mundane to become noble, and bore profound gratitude; although they had attained the exhaustion of contaminations, they constantly followed him with offerings, so they stayed close to the Tathāgata. For bodhisattvas, there are two reasons why they did not stay close to the Buddha: 1. Their wisdom and understanding are pre-eminent, and they are deeply conversant with the Dharma of the Way, without need of the Buddha's instruction; 2. They manifest transformations in accordance with responsive needs, so they did not stay close to the Buddha. This is the first distinction, by proximity and distance.