大般涅槃經義記 3.42

3.42

Regarding the fourth reliance, first it cites the heading, next explains it, and finally summarizes it. Within the explanation there are three parts: first, praising their virtues, which praises them in terms of the Hīnayāna arhat. 'Severing all defilements' clarifies that 'my births are exhausted.' 'Putting down the heavy burden' clarifies that 'there is no receiving of further existence'—suffering is the heavy burden, and not receiving it is called putting it down. 'Attaining one's own welfare' means 'the brahma conduct is established.' 'That which was to be done has been done' is 'doing what had to be done.' Second, revealing their stage and portion. Third, repeatedly praising their virtues: 'obtaining unimpeded wisdom' is the virtue of self-benefit; 'manifesting in all manner according to what people delight in' is the virtue of benefiting others. These two are their own portion. 'Adorned according to what is appropriate' is the virtue of self-benefit, meaning being endowed with the adornments of merit and wisdom; 'desiring to accomplish the buddha way, being able immediately to accomplish it' is the virtue of benefiting others, namely using the eight marks as skillful means to save beings. These two are the superior advancement. 'Being able to accomplish such is called an arhat' cites [the phrase] to conclude the summary. From here below, the fourth part generally summarizes and praises: 'These are called the four persons' is the general summary. Below, the general praise: 'appearing in the world, being able to bring great benefit,' and so forth, directly praises their virtues; 'supreme among humans and devas,' and so forth, uses comparison to manifest superiority; 'supreme among humans and devas' manifests their transcendence over those below; 'like the Tathāgata' clarifies their equality with that above.