三彌勒經疏 1.5

1.5

Question: Although the eight aspects are different, they are merely the single continuum body of Maitreya. Since the body is not distinct, why did the Tathāgata separately preach three sūtras? Answer: Truly, it is because sentient beings' capacities and awakenings are not the same. What is not the same? Briefly, there are fourteen kinds. First, for sentient beings who have not planted roots of virtue, the Ascent Sūtra is preached to cause them to plant roots of virtue; for those who have already planted roots of virtue, the other two sūtras are preached to cause them to attain liberation. Second, the Ascent Sūtra is preached for sentient beings to cultivate and complete great causes; the other two sūtras are preached to cause sentient beings to attain minor fruits. Third, the Ascent Sūtra is preached for sentient beings to benefit from hearing praise of the bodhisattva's virtues; the other two sūtras are preached to cause sentient beings to obtain benefit from hearing praise of attaining buddhahood. Fourth, the Ascent Sūtra is preached for sentient beings to obtain benefit from [...] [...] planting roots of virtue; the other two sūtras are preached to cause sentient beings to obtain benefit from having planted roots of virtue long ago. Fifth, the Ascent Sūtra is preached for sentient beings to see the Buddha afar; the other two sūtras are preached to cause sentient beings to see the Buddha near at hand. Sixth, the Ascent Sūtra is preached for sentient beings to obtain benefit in the Tuṣita heaven; the other two sūtras are preached to cause sentient beings to obtain benefit in Jambudvīpa. Seventh, the Ascent Sūtra is preached for sentient beings hearing [...] [...] [...] the heavenly palace and praying to be born there; the other two sūtras are preached to cause sentient beings, seeing the destruction of jeweled pavilions, to realize emptiness. Eighth, the Ascent Sūtra is preached for sentient beings to obtain benefit from seeing many Buddha bodies; the other two sūtras are preached to cause sentient beings to obtain benefit from seeing a single Buddha body. Ninth, the Ascent Sūtra is preached for sentient beings to obtain benefit in their Tuṣita heaven body; the other two sūtras are preached for obtaining benefit by going forth in Jambudvīpa. Tenth, the Ascent Sūtra is preached for sentient beings to obtain benefit from hearing Śākyamuni praise Maitreya; the other two sūtras are preached to cause sentient beings to obtain benefit from hearing Maitreya praise Śākyamuni. Eleventh, the Ascent Sūtra is preached for sentient beings to obtain benefit from hearing Maitreya's first single aspect; the other two sūtras are preached to cause sentient beings to obtain benefit from hearing the latter seven aspects. Twelfth, the Ascent Sūtra is preached for sentient beings who ought to obtain benefit from hearing the close attendants' request for teaching; the other two sūtras are preached to cause sentient beings who ought to obtain benefit from hearing the request of Śāriputra and Maudgalyāyana. Thirteenth, the three sūtras are preached in order to know the superior and inferior differences in the circumstantial fruitions of the upper and lower places of birth. Fourteenth, the three sūtras are preached in order to know the differences in equal measure between the causes and fruits of the two primary fruitions, upper and lower.