大般涅槃經義記 7.22

7.22

The Buddha's answer has four parts: first, praising his excellent question and clarifying that he himself is capable of answering; second, enjoining him to listen and promising to expound; third, instructing him on the meaning of listening; fourth, properly explaining in accordance with the questions. In the first part, "Excellent!" is an expression of praise; "You now wish, etc." clarifies that he himself is capable of answering. Within this there are six clauses: the first four clarify that he has the ability to expound; the next one clarifies that he has the mind [to do so]; and the last one clarifies that he has the Dharma [to give]. Among the first four, "You wish to exhaust the ocean" presents what is sought, and from "you have encountered, etc." downward clarifies that he himself is capable of expounding; "You have an arrow of doubt" presents his affliction, and "I am a physician, etc." clarifies that he himself is capable of curing it; "Regarding the Buddha, etc." presents his confusion, and "I have wisdom, etc." clarifies that he himself is capable of showing [the truth]; "You wish to cross, etc." presents his departure, and "I can act as a [ferryman], etc." clarifies that he himself is capable of conveying him across. In clarifying that he has the mind, "You regarding me, etc." presents his affection, and "I regarding you, etc." reveals his own loving compassion. In clarifying that he has the Dharma, "You crave the Dharma-jewel" presents what he needs, and "you have encountered my possessing it, etc." clarifies that he himself is capable of bestowing it.