大般涅槃經疏 1.39

1.39

As for the first passage, internal virtues are immeasurable; praising only the three titles is because he wishes to elucidate three matters. First, praising the Tathāgata, as being completely identical with all buddhas, gives rise to their reverence, which is the father of the world. 'Worthy of Offerings' (Arhat) is the supreme field of merit, able to generate good karma, which is the lord of the world. 'Correct and Complete Knower' (Samyaksaṃbuddha) can destroy doubts and hindrances and generate their understanding of wisdom, which is the teacher of the world. Thus a lower passage says: 'From now on we have no lord, no kin, and nothing to look up to' (and so forth). Next, as for external virtues: external virtues are immeasurable; mentioning only the four equalities is because he wishes to elucidate that the original father, ruler, and teacher's original vows all fully possessed the four equalities; now bringing benefit, pulling out suffering and bestowing bliss, this is what is essential. Pity is great friendliness; compassion is great compassion; protection is great joy; regarding with impartiality is great equanimity. Next, from 'serving as...' onward is the concluding praise. It has two parts: first, 'serving as a refuge' concludes the three titles; second, 'serving as a dwelling for the world' concludes the four equalities.