觀彌勒上生兜率天經贊 2.135

2.135

The commentary says: In explaining the inner fruit, from here down is the third [part], urging rebirth there. In this there are three [parts]: first, urging the practices for rebirth there; next, the assembly making aspiring vows; finally, concluding the correct contemplation. In the first passage there are five [parts]: 1. disciples cultivating the six practices to attain rebirth; 2. the eight classes hearing the name, rejoicing with reverence, and attaining rebirth; 3. the two assemblies who have broken the precepts repenting so as to become pure and attaining rebirth; 4. taking refuge without retrogression and being destined to attain liberation; 5. disciples of the four assemblies who wish to attain rebirth cultivating the ten wholesome actions, being mindful of the name, paying reverence, and the amount of their eradicated offenses. Although there are five passages, they are divided into three: the first three passages explain the three grades of rebirth; the next passage explains taking refuge, broadly urging them to take refuge and be born [there] to realize good benefits; the final passage shows the amount of eradicated offenses for those who take refuge and are born [there]. Among the first three passages explaining the three grades of rebirth, there are three divisions: the first passage is rebirth through the practices of the upper grade; the next passage is rebirth through the practices of the middle grade; the final passage is rebirth through the practices of the lower grade. In the first there are six [parts]: 1. indicating the six practices; 2. instructing them to dedicate their vows; 3. explaining the actual rebirth; 4. the devas praising and encouraging them; 5. the benefits of birth there; 6. summarizing and completing the above. This is the first passage. As for the six practices: 1. Diligently cultivating merit, such as the deeds performed within the fields of reverence, gratitude, and compassion. 2. Not violating deportments, steadfastly upholding the precepts, and personally dwelling in the behavioral rules. 3. Sweeping stūpas and plastering the ground, adorning bodhimaṇḍas and maintaining caityas properly. 4. Making offerings of incense and flowers, and providing the four necessities and various utensils according to need. 5. Ordinary beings practicing samādhi, such as the concentrations of hearing and reflection, and noble ones entering correct absorption; depending on the dhyāna one has attained, or an ordinary samādhi, not the concentration of the six practices. The concentration of the six practices definitely leads to ascent to birth. Deeply abiding in hearing and reflection is also called samādhi. 6. Reading and reciting the scriptures, expounding and cultivating the ten dharmic practices, and so forth. Setting forth for now the preeminent, easily practiced, and foremost, there are these six practices, each of which fully subsumes all deeds. If one completely cultivates the six, or is able to cultivate five, one attains rebirth of the upper-upper grade; if one cultivates three or four, rebirth of the upper-middle grade; if one cultivates one or two, rebirth of the upper-lower grade.