大般涅槃經義記 2.10

2.10

In individually revoking the cause, first he revokes past falsehood; from "You must now..." downward, he exhorts cultivation of the present truth. In the former there are four clauses: (1) revoking going forth from home, (2) revoking dyeing the robes, (3) revoking begging for food, and (4) revoking shaving the head. The text is clear and can be understood. In exhorting the cultivation of truth, "I now truly instruct you" generally indicates the permission; below he instructs them individually. Within this there are three: (1) clarifying that currently the conditions of the Three Jewels are complete, exhorting them to cultivate diligently. "I am now present" means the condition of the Buddha Jewel is complete; "the great assembly is harmonious" means the condition of the Sangha Jewel is complete; "the nature of dharmas is not contrary" means the condition of the reality of Dharma is complete. From "Therefore..." downward concludes with an exhortation to cultivate: "You should be vigorously diligent, gathering your minds with courage" exhorts cultivation of good dharmas; "destroy all fetters" instructs the severing of evil dharmas. (2) From "When the Ten Powers sink..." downward, he points out the loss when the sage passes away, urging them to cultivate quickly. The Buddha is called the wisdom sun of the Ten Powers; after the Buddha passes into extinction, there will be no one to instruct you to cut off dark obstacles, therefore you will be covered by ignorance. While the Buddha is still present now, you should cultivate swiftly. (3) From "Just as..." downward, he praises the Dharma as having many benefits, causing them to cultivate without fail, first by metaphor and then by application. "My Dharma is also like this" matches the medicinal herbs on the ground; "producing wondrous..." and so forth matches their function of producing. "Producing the wondrous, good, ambrosial flavor of Dharma" clarifies that it can produce good; "and acting as a good medicine for the illnesses of sentient beings" clarifies that it can extinguish evil. The assembly below makes their request on account of what was thus revoked and exhorted; this should be remembered.