維摩義記 3.28

3.28

From here below, fifth, he invites the assembly to sit together. Herein there are two: first, inviting the great bodhisattvas and causing them to sit together. Bodhisattvas on the bhūmis are the "great" ones. Second, from "newly resolved" downward, inviting the minor bodhisattvas and the śrāvaka assembly, causing them to sit together. Bodhisattvas before the bhūmis are the "minor" ones. In the first part there are four sentences: first, exhorting Mañjuśrī to sit together with the superior persons among the bodhisattvas. Second, instructing them to make their bodies conform to the appearance of those seats. Since the seats were high and their bodies were low, fearing they would not match, he therefore instructed them. Third, from "Those who had attained superknowledges" downward, it clarifies that the bodhisattvas received this latter instruction and transformed their bodies to match the seats. Fourth, accepting the former exhortation, they sat on the lion seats. In the second part there are five sentences: first, the newly resolved bodhisattvas and the assembly of disciples were all unable to ascend. Second, Vimalakīrti addressed them, ordering them to sit. Since previously Śāriputra's thinking of a seat was the focus, he specifically addressed him. Third, Śāriputra himself declined, saying he was incapable. Fourth, Vimalakīrti instructed them to pay homage to King Lamp. Fifth, the bodhisattvas and Śāriputra and the others, having received the instruction, paid homage to the Buddha and only then were able to sit. Because these were the transformed spheres of King Lamp, only by paying homage and receiving his power were they capable of ascending the seats.