維摩義記 4.48

4.48

Regarding the "Chapter on Bodhisattva Practice": in this chapter, occasioned by those Gandhakūṭa bodhisattvas requesting the Dharma, the exhausted and unexhausted practices of bodhisattvas are extensively distinguished, and the chapter is titled accordingly; hence it is called the "Chapter on Bodhisattva Practice." From here below is the teaching of the third assembly. Therein, it is distinguished through four gates in summary: first, explaining the reason for its occurrence; second, distinguishing it with respect to revealing Vimalakīrti's virtues; third, distinguishing it with respect to the Dharma; fourth, analyzing the text and explaining it. What is the reason for its occurrence? It is explained with four meanings: 1. The Dharma expounded in Vimalakīrti's room required the Buddha's recounting and praise to be transmitted and hoped for in posterity; hence this assembly was held. 2. The inconceivable manifestations displayed by Vimalakīrti had not been witnessed at the Āmrapālī grove, and the transformative work was not yet complete; hence this assembly was initiated. 3. The rice of Gandhakūṭa was not known at the Āmrapālī grove, and wishing to make it known to all so that both sides might seek it together, this assembly was required. 4. The bodhisattvas of Gandhakūṭa came to see the Buddha-land, but had not yet witnessed it up to this point; now they needed to go see it, request the Dharma, and return to their land; hence this assembly was convened. Such are the reasons for its occurrence. Next, revealing Vimalakīrti's virtues. The distinction has two parts: 1. Clarifying Vimalakīrti's practice of liberation. By relying on going to see the Buddha, cause and fruit are clarified; entering the Tathāgata's true realization of the dharmakāya is called the essence of liberation. 2. Revealing Vimalakīrti's function of liberation. Holding the great assembly in his palm and proceeding to the Āmrapālī grove, and from afar bringing Abhirati and placing it in this land, is the inconceivable function of liberation. Revealing virtues is as such; the Dharma must now be distinguished. Dharma refers to cause and fruit. This chapter generally clarifies the causes of both the dharmakāya and the pure land. The "Chapter on Akṣobhya" clarifies the fruits of that body and the pure land.