大般涅槃經義記 4.25

4.25

In the fifth turn, "If one speaks of liberation as being like an illusion or transformation" is the first line, citing the Buddha's past words; here bodhi is spoken of as liberation. In the past, within the teachings that refute marks, the Tathāgata taught that the Buddha's liberation is an illusion, a transformation, and unreal; thus the Pañcaviṃśatisāhasrikā states: "If there were any dharma surpassing nirvāṇa, I would also speak of it as like an illusion and like a transformation, how much more so nirvāṇa." Therefore it is now cited. From "Ordinary persons will..." onwards is the second line, showing that those foolish persons grasp at marks and are confused about reality, supposing that the real liberation attained by the Buddha is like an illusion and a transformation, ultimately returning to extinction; this clarifies grasping at marks, omitting confusion about reality. From "A person of wisdom" onwards is the third line, showing that the wise understand marks and know reality. "Should distinguish that although the lion among men has coming and going" clarifies their knowledge of marks: the Buddha is called the lion among men; manifest birth is called "coming," and responsive cessation is called "going." "Eternally abiding and unchanging" clarifies their knowledge of reality.