維摩義記 1.12

1.12

問曰：初會云何作序？由其初會大眾雲集，後得告命令往問疾，故得為序。第二一品現病為由，〈弟子品〉後因苦起發故，故得為序。昔來相傳多依此判。

Question: How can the first assembly serve as a prologue? [Answer:] Because in the first assembly the great assembly gathered like clouds, and afterwards an instruction was issued ordering them to go inquire about his illness, it can therefore serve as a prologue. The second single chapter manifests illness as the occasion, and after the "Chapter on the Disciples" [the teaching] is elicited due to suffering; therefore, it can serve as a prologue. What has been traditionally transmitted from ancient times mostly relies on this classification.