維摩經略疏 1.95

1.95

First, clarifying the śrāvaka assembly: first, clarifying "monks" (bhikṣu), which is a general term. Human beings are of many kinds, just as the northern barbarians and the Yueh differ; those who leave home in the Buddha's Dharma are all called bhikṣus. This is explained in five parts: first, "with"; second, "great"; third, "monk"; fourth, "assembly"; fifth, "number". First, explaining "with" (yǔ): this sūtra says yǔ; the Dàpǐn says gòng ("together"); yǔ is simply gòng. The Dàzhìdù lùn distinguishes the "seven unities" to explain "together", namely: one place, one time, one precept, one mind, one view, one path, and one liberation. If interpreting the Lotus Sūtra, one must base it on the root and traces. Since the present sūtra has not yet revealed the traces, it is explained merely through causes and conditions, events, and contemplation practice. "One place" means being together in the Āmrapālī Grove. "One time" means the time of this single assembly. "One precept" means together attaining the unmanifest [precept]. "One mind" means together attaining the nine absorptions. "One view" means together seeing the four truths. "One path" means all attaining the stage of non-learning (aśaikṣa). "One liberation" means together realizing [nirvāṇa] with residue. Second, explaining "great" (dà): according to the Sanskrit text, it should be mahā. The Dàzhìdù lùn says: "Mahā is sometimes called great, sometimes superior, and sometimes numerous." Being respected by great kings, they are called "great". Surpassing the ninety-six kinds [of non-Buddhists], they are called "superior". Their number reaching eight thousand, they are called "numerous". Now, to clarify: non-Buddhists are of three kinds: first, omniscience; second, supernatural powers; third, the Vedas. Possessing these three, they are called great non-Buddhists. To counter and refute them, the Buddha taught three applications of mindfulness in the Tripiṭaka, namely: in nature, in common, and with conditions. Being able to cultivate these three not only refutes the three kinds of non-Buddhists, but upon entering the stage of nature and realizing the fruit, one accomplishes the three liberations, namely: good liberation attained by wisdom, good liberation attained by mind, and unobstructed liberation; thus they are called great monks and great arhats. If individually matched: attaining wisdom is called great; attaining mind is called superior; attaining unobstructedness is called numerous. Fully possessing all three is called pāramitā. Because the śrāvakas accomplish all the virtues of an arhat, they are called "great".