維摩義記 2.7.4

2.7.4

In ultimate principle, these too are absent, which is called 'neither hearing nor obtaining'. Next, this is illustrated with a simile. 'Just like a phantom person' illustrates that there is no speaker. 'Speaking to a phantom person' illustrates that there is no listener. From 'One should establish' onward is an exhortation. In the second line, instructing one to know the faculties and dharmas before giving rise to speech is called leaving behind the mind of folly. 'One should understand that the faculties of sentient beings are sharp or dull' exhorts to know the faculties. Because previously Maudgalyāyana did not preach according with capacity, he is exhorted to understand the faculties. 'Skilled in knowledge and vision without obstruction' exhorts to know dharmas. Because previously Maudgalyāyana's words were not in accord with principle, he is exhorted to know dharmas. In the third line, instructing one to cultivate a vast mind and instructing one to give rise to great intention is called relinquishing the small mind. 'With great compassion' instructs one to cultivate a vast mind. Comprehensively being mindful of sentient beings is called great compassion. 'Praising the Mahāyāna' instructs one to give rise to a great mind. Because the mind is great, one praises the Mahāyāna. In the fourth line, instructing one to stay free from the deeds of Māra and the heterodox teachings of non-Buddhists is called keeping distant from the ordinary mind. 'Mindful of repaying the Buddha's kindness' instructs one to stay free from the deeds of Māra. Relying on the Buddha's Dharma to gain benefit and conversely wishing to cause harm is called betraying the Buddha's kindness. When a bodhisattva turns this around and is mindful of wishing to protect the Dharma, this is called repaying the Buddha's kindness. 'Not severing the Three Jewels' instructs one to stay free from non-Buddhists. When non-Buddhists practice heterodoxy and run counter to the correct Dharma, this is called severing the Three Jewels. When a bodhisattva turns this around, seeking the correct Dharma for himself and transforming others by teaching, he can make the Three Jewels continue without interruption; therefore, this is called not severing the Three Jewels. The above was the specific instruction. 'Then speak the Dharma' summarises as an exhortation. The above was the second part, explaining the words of instruction and rebuke. The third is the benefit of the instruction, and the fourth is Maudgalyāyana's expressing his own inferiority and deficiency; the text is clear and can be understood. First is the decline, and then the explanation. 'Therefore, I am not capable' summarises his inability.