維摩義記 4.85

4.85

From here downward, the second point questions the Heavenly Emperor in return whether that person's planting of virtue is great or not. The third point: the Heavenly Emperor answers directly according to principle that it is great. He generally answers that the merit is great. "Even for a hundred eons..." and so forth, specifically answers to reveal its greatness. From here downward, the fourth point: the Buddha takes what was answered and, contrasting it with upholding the sūtra, explains that the [former] merit does not equal it. Therein, it first explains that regarding "hearing this sūtra, believing, understanding, receiving, upholding, reading, reciting, and practicing it," its merit exceeds the previous offerings. From "For what reason?" downward, it explains: first inquiring, then explaining. "The bodhi of all Buddhas is generated from this" explains that the true virtues of the Buddhas arise from the sūtra. "The characteristics of bodhi cannot be measured; for this reason the merit cannot be measured" takes the true virtues of the Buddhas to reveal the excellence of the sūtra, explaining that the merit of upholding it is vast. The above is the second part, explaining that offering material goods to the Buddha does not equal upholding the sūtra.