維摩經略疏 4.45

4.45

From "Why? [Recalling formerly]" up to "preaching the Dharma" is second, clarifying the reason for being unfit. It was due to preaching the Dharma to householders in the lanes and alleys. "Lanes and alleys" simply means small, winding roads, perhaps symbolizing that the principle severed by the winding scriptures is not the great straight path. "Householder" is as explained before. As for "preaching the Dharma", some masters say he was preaching morality and goodness. Now I fear this is not so. Morality and goodness belong to the vehicle of humans and devas, not entering the Path through the truth of principle. Maudgalyāyana mostly spoke of analyzing emptiness to enter the Path. How is this known? By analogy with the rebukes of the various śrāvakas, they are all contrasts between the half and the full; furthermore, examining the rebuking text below, it should indeed be so.