大般涅槃經疏 13.28

13.28

This chapter lists the names of the five practices, speaking of three and not speaking of two. Why? Heavenly practice is the root of all practices and all nobles; its meaning is evident, so it refers afar to the Avataṃsaka. Personally I consider: because in the Avataṃsaka, from beginning to end, the principles and phenomena, practices and vows, causes and fruits of the biased and round bodhisattvas are complete, they cannot be fully presented all at once; it is better to point to the sūtra so that, following the pointer to search it out, one contemplates that extensive text without exceeding the single principle. Because it is the practice of the devas from the first abidance upward, it is called heavenly practice. Because practice is itself heaven, it is called heavenly practice. Because one cultivates for heaven, it is called heavenly practice. Because one advances due to heavenly practice, it is called heavenly practice. Because it refers afar to heaven, it is called heavenly practice. There are general and specific aspects, which can be known through reflection. Practice with illness was already manifested and spoken of previously, and will be revealed later on its own; therefore two are not spoken of, and only three are spoken of. Personally I say: since two are not spoken of, it results in them not yet existing in the present chapter. If so, it should be said that it concludes the preceding and introduces the following. The characteristics of illness and non-illness conclude the preceding discussion of permanence, responding to Kāśyapa's request. Speaking of the causes and fruits of practice introduces the following; if not so, one would say that four are spoken of and one is not spoken of.