大般涅槃經義記 9.265

9.265

Regarding the first person, it first quotes, next explains, and afterward matches with the simile. In the explanation there are two [parts]: first, clarifying the reasons why that person is submerged; second, from "as for those who dwell in evil, there are six..." onward, broadly displaying the characteristics of submergence. In the former, it first explains that hearing the Dharma, he slanders it, and because he lacks faith, he is submerged; from "distancing from good friends" onward, he does not cultivate goodness, and because he lacks practice, he is submerged. In the former [point on] lacking faith, the words "there is a person" refer to the icchantika; "hearing the nirvāṇa..." and so forth adduces the Dharma that is slandered. Therein are three [aspects]: first, hearing the Tathāgata explained; second, from "all beings..." onward, hearing the buddha-nature explained; third, from "an icchantika..." onward, hearing bodhi explained. Below, it reveals his slander: "having heard, he does not believe and immediately thinks thus," which explains slander in his mind; "thinking that the Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra is an outsider treatise, making such statements..." and so forth explains slander with his mouth. Below, regarding lack of practice, it clarifies that he is incapable of drawing close to companions, hearing the Dharma, reflecting, and cultivating, which is clear and discernible from the text. The above is the first [part], explaining the reasons for submergence.