大般涅槃經義記 7.20

7.20

Question: If you say that in the sequence of initiating practice one must first act for oneself, why does the Tathāgata below admonish Vaiḍūryaprabha to act first for others and only afterward for himself? Explanation: Giving rise to the intention and initiating practice are distinct. If we speak of giving rise to the intention, one must put others first, because all practices take compassion as their root. If we speak of initiating practice, one must first cultivate oneself, and only afterward bring benefit to others. Below pertains to giving rise to the intention; here it pertains to initiating practice. Hence, they are different.