維摩經略疏垂裕記 2.168

2.168

Fourth, sudden and gradual capacities has two parts: first, listing the headings; second, explaining the meaning, which has two parts: first, the main explanation, which has two parts: first, the sudden Great [Vehicle]. As for "seven places and eight assemblies", it is because of gathering twice at the Hall of Universal Light; the new translation of the Tang has nine assemblies, because of gathering three times at the Hall of Universal Light. The Great Master only saw the old translation, and thus said eight assemblies. For those that have nine, later people made erroneous alterations. Under "For example...", the sun is a metaphor for the Buddha, shining is a metaphor for preaching the Dharma, and the high mountains are a metaphor for the capacities of the distinct and perfect [teachings]. As for "By dragons and ghosts..." and so forth, it is fully as found in the text listing the assembly in the *Avataṃsaka Sūtra*. Under "Next clarifying...", speaking of practice by dharma as "hearing little and understanding much" does not mean hearing nothing at all; this is true for both the Great and Small [Vehicles].