維摩義記 3.17

3.17

Regarding the "Inconceivable Chapter": within this first pair, the preceding [chapter] explained what is practiced, and this [chapter] explains what is accomplished. Because of the previous cultivation and eradication of the hindrance of illness, one then accomplishes the supramundane virtue of liberation. Once this virtue is accomplished, its sovereign and wondrous functions are difficult to fathom, beyond the reach of mind and speech, and are called inconceivable. Extensively distinguishing this meaning is called the "Inconceivable." This chapter has three parts: first, taking Śāriputra's thought about seats as the occasion, Vimalakīrti bodily manifests inconceivable matters; second, from "Śāriputra said: 'It is unprecedented!'" below, taking Śāriputra's praise as the occasion, Vimalakīrti orally explains inconceivable virtues; third, from "At that time Mahākāśyapa, hearing this exposition..." below, taking Mahākāśyapa's grieving lamentation of his own exclusion as the occasion, Vimalakīrti brings out the inconceivable persons. In the first [part] there are three [sections]: first, Śāriputra's thought about seats serves as the occasion; second, Vimalakīrti, based on what he thought, teaches the correct seeking of the Dharma; third, from "At that time the elder asked Mañjuśrī..." below, based on what he thought, he procures seats from the King of Lamps and manifests inconceivable matters. In the first [section], "Śāriputra" names the person who could have the thought. "Seeing that there were neither couches nor seats in this room" explains the cause of the thought. It was due to the aforementioned empty room. "Had this thought..." and so forth directly clarifies what was thought. "These bodhisattvas" designates the assembly of bodhisattvas; "si" means "these." "The great disciples" designates the assembly of śrāvakas. Where should all these noble ones sit? Why did Śāriputra specifically give rise to this thought? Because Śāriputra was pre-eminent among the disciples for his profound and clear wisdom, and knew that by means of this thought there would be widespread inspiration, he specifically gave rise to this thought.