維摩經略疏 4.8

4.8

Second, briefly explaining the meaning of 'disciples'. This comprises nine points: first, briefly explaining the name and meaning of 'disciples'; second, explaining the ten disciples; third, generally correlating them with the universal mental factors; fourth, individually correlating them with the ten mental factors; fifth, explaining the adornment of the twin trees; sixth, explaining rebirth in the retribution land; seventh, explaining purifying the buddha-land; eighth, in terms of contemplation of mind; and ninth, explaining the order of sending them to inquire [after the illness]. Regarding the first point: A master possesses the ability to craft and form, while a student possesses the virtue of relying upon and receiving [instruction]. Relying upon [the master], one leaves the father to follow the master and reveres the master like a father; the master, in humility, treats the student like a younger brother. Therefore the Master (Confucius) said, 'Yan Hui treated me like a father, and I treated Yan Hui like a younger brother.' Now Śāriputra and the others received learning from the Buddha, which is master and student; hence they are called 'disciples'.