維摩義記 3.49

3.49

From here on, the fifth section clarifies that which she seeks. First, Śāriputra opens by asking: 'Among the three vehicles, which is your aspiration to seek?' Next, the goddess answers. The text has two distinct parts: First, with respect to transforming others, she seeks all three vehicles equally. 'Because I transform sentient beings with the śrāvaka Dharma, I act as a śrāvaka; because I transform sentient beings with the Dharma of causes and conditions, I act as a pratyekabuddha; transforming sentient beings with great compassion, I act as the Mahāyāna.' Second, with respect to self-benefit, she solely seeks the Mahāyāna. Within this there are four parts: First, a metaphor and its application broadly explain that all who enter this room only seek the Buddha's virtues and do not take delight in the two vehicles. Dharmas are named after the metaphor, and hence are spoken of as 'fragrance'. Second, from 'Whoever has Śakra, Brahmā, the Four Heavenly Kings' onward, she adduces others to compare with herself. It explains that all the assemblies who enter this room, upon hearing this superior person preach the wondrous Dharma, all take delight in the Buddha's fragrance and resolve to seek it. Third, from 'Since I have stayed here' onward, she explains that she is identical to the others. Since entering this room, she has purely heard the Mahāyāna and resolved her mind to seek it; this reveals that she herself has been accomplished by Vimalakīrti. In 'I have stayed in this room for twelve years', she indicates the span of time; distinguishing it according to phenomenal characteristics, it has been only twelve years since she came to reside in this room. Discussing it in terms of dharmas, when a bodhisattva abides in each single bhūmi, if it subsumes the merits of all the bhūmis, the twelve abodes of virtue accomplished by the goddess all rely upon this for accomplishment; hence they are called 'twelve years'. 'At first I did not hear the teaching of the śrāvaka and pratyekabuddha' explains the reason why she does not seek the Hīnayāna. 'I only heard the bodhisattvas' great benevolence and great compassion' explains the reason why she exclusively seeks the Mahāyāna. Fourth, from 'In this room there always appear eight unprecedented things' onward, it generally explains the reason why, from their own stages, those who enter this room seek the Great [Vehicle]. Because this room is replete with the eight unprecedented things, all who enter it seek the Great and do not seek other vehicles. This highlights the inconceivable matters accomplished by Vimalakīrti. Within this, it first lists the eight unprecedented matters. From 'Whoever sees this inconceivable' onward, it reveals the mind with respect to phenomenal matters. In the preceding, first is a summary, next is an enumeration, and finally a conclusion; the text is evident and can be understood.