維摩義記 2.3

2.3

Next is the commentary following the text. In this, I will briefly distinguish three headings: 1. Explaining the purpose of its appearance in relation to what came before; 2. Outlining the division in relation to what follows; 3. Directly interpreting according to the text. / What is the purpose of its appearance? It is explained through two meanings: first, explaining the purpose in terms of the preface; second, explaining the purpose with respect to the main doctrinal section. / Regarding the explanation in terms of the preface, this further subdivides into two: / 1. Explaining it with respect to the Buddha. In the previous chapter, Vimalakīrti manifested illness to initiate [the dialogue]. Vimalakīrti manifested illness originally to initiate the teaching, which required the Buddha's resonant response. Therefore, from here on, the Tathāgata commands inquiries to bring forth what he expounds. As for those addressed, he first addresses the śrāvakas; hence this chapter appears. / 2. Explaining it with respect to Vimalakīrti revealing his virtues. At the beginning of the previous chapter, his virtues were revealed through direct praise; at the end of the previous chapter, his virtues were revealed through teaching, which can also be called revealing virtues through transformative teaching. From here on, his virtues are revealed through confrontations: first confronting the śrāvakas to reveal the heights of his virtue; hence this chapter appears. Such is the explanation in terms of the preface. / As for explaining the purpose of its appearance with respect to the main doctrinal section: in the previous chapter, occasioned by ordinary people inquiring after his illness, the teaching for ordinary people was clarified, proceeding from the ordinary to the noble. From here on, occasioned by noble beings inquiring after his illness, the teaching for noble beings is clarified. Within the teaching for noble beings, it first teaches the śrāvakas; hence this chapter appears. Such is the purpose of its appearance.