維摩經略疏 3.39

3.39

From "by all" downward is, thirdly, twenty lines, which are the expedient means of oral secret. The audible teaching brings vast benefit, and is also tracing manifest traces to lead beings back to the fundamental. "Seen and revered by all" has two meanings: first, Vimalakīrti contemplated all sentient beings as having the characteristics of bodhi and great nirvāṇa; therefore, all revered him. Second, the Mahāsattva was their transforming master; whatever he came in contact with received his grace, and none among the ordinary beings failed to bear his favor, admire his virtue, and recognize his grace; therefore, all revered and made offerings to him. Furthermore, he was supreme among fields of merit: an arhat beyond study is already worthy of offerings, how much more so Vimalakīrti, who by expedient means preached the Dharma to transform beings and return them to the fundamental! This single line runs through the nineteen lines below. Why is this so? If in setting forth teachings through expedient means beings do not revere and respect them, how could the transformation and guidance be broad?