大般涅槃經義記 8.58

8.58

Next, associating with friends is explained: first a question, next the explanation, and then the overall conclusion. Within the explanation, it first explains the bodhisattva as a good friend, and next explains the Buddha as a friend. "My own person is itself [such a friend]" refers generally to himself; "therefore able to cut off pudgalas..." and below adduces their nature, using twelve past matters to demonstrate that he himself is a true friend. "By this principle..." and below generally praises the benefit of friends, leading people to draw close to them. Why did Ānanda say that half the brahma-faring does not know the causal nature? Because it arises from a limb. The Buddha knows that present goodness and past causes all arise from friends; hence he speaks of complete practice. "This is called..." and below is the conclusion.