維摩經略疏 6.109

6.109

四、愜物情者，問：諸菩薩同輔大師，何得全不愜物情？答：彌勒雖是補處而是右面侍者，諸菩薩事儀疎外，文殊雖同居補處而是左面侍者，如左面大臣裁斷自在，故愜物情。五、隨物機者，諸菩薩與淨名如砧槌成物，今文殊與淨名如兩槌成物，故入室往復辭無屈滯，悅可眾心為淨名稱歎，豈同諸菩薩發言被折？以是諸義堪為問疾人也。

Fourth, suiting the sentiments of beings: Question: Since the various bodhisattvas together assist the Great Master, why would they entirely fail to suit the sentiments of beings? Answer: Although Maitreya is in the stage of one lifetime remaining, he is the attendant on the right side; the demeanor of the various bodhisattvas is distant and external. Although Mañjuśrī likewise abides in the stage of one lifetime remaining, he is the attendant on the left side, like a chief minister on the left side having sovereign judgment; therefore he suits the sentiments of beings. Fifth, according with the capacities of beings: the various bodhisattvas and Vimalakīrti are like an anvil and hammer fashioning an object; now Mañjuśrī and Vimalakīrti are like two hammers fashioning an object. Therefore, upon entering the room, their back-and-forth discourse faces no obstruction or hesitation; he pleases the minds of the assembly and is praised by Vimalakīrti. How could this be the same as the various bodhisattvas whose utterances were humbled? For these various reasons, he is competent to be the person inquiring after the illness.