維摩經略疏 5.3

5.3

"The Buddha told Pūrṇa": Fifth, commanding Pūrṇa. The text also has two parts: first, commanding him to inquire after the illness; second, refusing out of incompetence. The reason he was commanded next is that among the disciples he was foremost in preaching the Dharma. Pūrṇa is the clan name, taking his name from the clan, translated here as "wholesome friend". Maitrāyaṇī is the mother's name, translated here as "full wish". Being born of Full Wish, he is called "Maitrāyaṇīputra" (Son of Maitrāyaṇī). The reason for adding the mother's name is the concern to distinguish him from others of the same name. However, in the Lotus Sūtra he only receives prophecy when it reaches those of lower faculties, yet here he is commanded first; this was perhaps because he was close at hand, or because the occasion was opportune, and so he was commanded first. Why? Since he possessed the adornment of eloquence and the sharp facility of rhetoric, and whatever he said delighted the minds of beings, if sent to convey the instruction the assembly's reverence would be all the greater; thus he was commanded first. As when the Buddha preached the Dàpǐn, he commanded only Śāriputra, Subhūti, and Pūrṇa to expound prajñā. The Dàzhìdù lùn fully discusses and profoundly explores its rationale, up to accomplishing the five kinds of benefits mentioned before, which can be understood.