大般涅槃經疏 1.7

1.7

In former generations, they directly chanted [the text], explaining the words and elucidating the meaning; dividing the chapters and sections began with Xiǎoshān Yáo and Guānnèi Píng, becoming the rule because of them. In this sūtra, the contractions and expansions of the textual sentences are not uniform; there are divisions into two, three, four, five, seven, and eight. Emperor Wǔ of Liáng only established 'middle-prior' and 'middle-after'; Kāishàn had only the introduction and main body, while Guāngzhái added the dissemination section; Língwèi held that questions have origins and answers have surplus momentum; Héxī had five gateways, Vasubandhu seven divisions, and Xīnghuáng eight gateways. Although the orchid and chrysanthemum are each beautiful, the sūtra prohibits while treatises open up. The cowherd maiden adding water is prohibiting; deep branching and substantial analysis are opening up. Now we divide it into five, and also into seven: first, listing the sections; second, indicating the passages; third, explaining the names; fourth, explaining the sequence of arising; fifth, general and specific; sixth, citing scriptural proof; seventh, different interpretations.