本願藥師經古迹 2.11

2.11

述曰：自下第五問答釋難門。於中有二：一問答故、二釋難故。此初也。答中有二：初約病難答，如經「救脫菩薩言乃至廣說」故。此中所說就其邊際，設不具足，非無勝利，如前經言「隨力所能而供養」故。《法社經》云「貧者一燈亦得成」故。各置七燈者，邁師云：「像前一座，造七輪燈，形如車輪。一一像座前各置一輪燈，一一輪上各安七盞燈。」後約國難答。此復有二：國界難故、眷屬難故。如經「復次阿難乃至眾難解脫」故。非但病人亦濟王難，此中意也。國有七難，如文可解。灌頂王者最大國主上位之時，諸小國王及諸群臣各取四大海水灌其頂故。言國界安穩者，第二三難除故。風雨穀順者，第六七難除故。無病無神者，初難除故。惡相隱沒者，第四五難除故。王眷屬難，如文可解。

The Commentary says: Below this is the fifth section, on questions and answers resolving doubts. In this there are two: first, questions and answers; second, resolving doubts. This is the first. In the answer there are two: first, answering regarding the calamity of illness, as the sūtra says: 'from Bodhisattva Trāṇamukta said up to spoken extensively.' What is said here concerns the maximum limit; even if it is not complete, it is not without superior benefits, as the previous text of the sūtra said 'make offerings according to one's capability.' The *Fashe jing* says: 'For the poor, even a single lamp will suffice.' Regarding 'placing seven lamps before each': Master Mai says, 'Before the image is a stand, on which seven-wheel lamps are made, shaped like cartwheels. Before each image-stand is placed one wheel-lamp, and on each wheel are arranged seven lamp vessels.' Later is the answer regarding national calamities. In this there are also two: calamities of the state domain, and calamities of the retinue, as the sūtra says: 'from furthermore, Ānanda up to their multiple calamities will be resolved.' It is not only the sick who are helped, but the king's calamities are also relieved; this is the meaning here. The country has seven calamities, which can be understood from the text. 'Consecrated kings' refers to the paramount lords of states at the time of ascending the throne, when the minor kings and all officials each take water from the four great oceans to pour upon their heads. Saying 'the state domain will attain tranquility' means the second and third calamities are eliminated. 'Wind, rain, and grain will be timely' means the sixth and seventh calamities are eliminated. 'Free of disease and without [evil] spirits' means the first calamity is eliminated. 'Evil omens disappearing' means the fourth and fifth calamities are eliminated. The calamities of the king's retinue can be understood from the text.