維摩義記 4.31

4.31

From here below is the second [passage], ordering the assembly to procure the food. Why did he not face the reality and send an emanation to go and fetch it, but rather had to order the assembly? To show that he does not elevate himself and does not disparage the assembly. Furthermore, he wished to manifest the superiority of his own power in contrast to them, so as to cause the assembly to give rise to respect and seek the Buddha. Within this there are four parts: 1. Vimalakīrti orders the assembly to fetch the food, therefore asking the bodhisattvas: "Which benevolent one is able to bring that buddha's food?" "Bring" (zhi) means to transport and carry. 2. "Because of the awe-inspiring supernatural power of Mañjuśrī, the assembly was entirely silent." Mañjuśrī, wishing to cause Vimalakīrti to fetch it by emanation, therefore restrained them and caused silence. With what intention did Mañjuśrī wish to have Vimalakīrti send an emanation to go and fetch it? If Vimalakīrti went by emanation, those many bodhisattvas, tracing the origin through the emanation, would come here to listen to the Dharma. For others to go would not be fitting; therefore he restrained them and caused silence. 3. Vimalakīrti prods the assembly to make them fetch it: that the assembly of benevolent virtues was incapable of fetching the food was exceedingly clear. Therefore he now provokes them in reverse: "For this great assembly of benevolent ones, is it not shameful?" 4. Mañjuśrī resolves the fault on behalf of the assembly: "As the Buddha stated, 'Do not disparage those who have not yet trained.'" Since the assembly trains in the virtue of liberation and was incapable of going to fetch it, he wished that he would not slight or disparage them.