大般涅槃經義記 3.17

3.17

In the first part, the metaphor comes first, containing four phrases: First, the metaphor of escaping birth and death by oneself: "A person" illustrates the Buddha. In the past, when on the causal stage, the Buddha gave rise to karmic afflictions, which is called "having eaten"; experiencing suffering, his "heart was oppressed"; seeking to escape the three realms and sever fetters and karma is called going out and "wishing to vomit"; being truly able to sever them is called having managed to vomit. Second, the metaphor of manifesting transformations in accordance with beings: having escaped birth and death oneself, condescending to respond in accordance with beings is called "returning again." Third, the metaphor of revealing virtues through a provisional question: bodhisattvas practicing together are called "companions"; asking the Tathāgata whether birth and death have been exhausted is called "having recovered or not"; "and yet returning here" expresses wonder that the Buddha is in the midst of suffering. Fourth, the metaphor of revealing virtues through a provisional answer: all sufferings having been exhausted is called "answering that he has recovered"; realizing quiescence and everlasting peace is called "attaining peace and bliss."