維摩經略疏 10.7

10.7

Second, dispatching [someone] to request food consists of five parts: first, seeking a person to request food; second, through Mañjuśrī's supernatural power, no one in the assembly speaking; third, Vimalakīrti rebuking them; fourth, Mañjuśrī citing a testimony in reply; fifth, conjuring a bodhisattva to prepare an understanding of inquiring after health and requesting food. Second, the entire assembly remaining silent through Mañjuśrī's supernatural power has two intentions: First, to clarify the etiquette between host and guest. Preparing food originally belongs to the host; how could a guest be permitted to procure the food? Second, because of wishing to manifest Vimalakīrti's superior virtue, they now remained silent. Third, Vimalakīrti's rebuke is as in the text. Fourth, Mañjuśrī cited the Buddha's words in reply: 'Do not disparage those who are not yet learned.' If there is one who has attained the inconceivable liberation, procuring food is not difficult. For those who have not yet attained it, they also possess the capacity for attainment; therefore, they should not be disparaged. The rest is as in the text.