維摩義記 4.44

4.44

From here below, the second [part] clarifies this method of practice occasioned by their inquiry. Therein, it first asks, "How many dharmas do the bodhisattvas of this land accomplish so that they practice without blemishes or flaws in this world and are born in the pure land?" The intention of these bodhisattvas in coming is to guide people to take birth in the pure land; hence they make this inquiry. Its meaning is similar to Bodhisattva Abhaya's inquiry about birth in the pure land in the Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra. The reply begins from "Vimalakīrti [said]" below. "Accomplishing eight dharmas, they practice without blemishes or flaws and are born in the pure land" is the general reply. Practicing without blemishes or flaws can purify their cause. Being born in the pure land can bring about the pure fruit. Moreover, having no blemishes or flaws enables them to abandon the defiled land, and being born in the pure land enables them to enter the pure country. The specific [exposition] begins from "What are they?" below, first inquiring and then listing them. This divides them into kinds according to the different meanings of practice. All eight are methods that gather and practice, using them to gather and generate the pure land practices of the first assembly. Among the eight, the first four are methods for benefiting others. "Benefiting sentient beings without looking for reward" is the first clause, which is immeasurable benevolence (maitrī). Benefiting with a mind of benevolent pity, they do not look for reward. "Taking on all suffering and affliction on behalf of all sentient beings" is the second clause, which is immeasurable compassion (karuṇā). Because the compassionate mind is deep and profound, they take on all suffering and affliction on behalf of all.