維摩經略疏垂裕記 4.49

4.49

Second, sequential explanations, which has four [parts]: first, the worldly elder. In the text, the names are first listed. Next, from "why is this" onward, the meaning is explained. Regarding "noble clan": the kṣatriya caste, like the clans of princes and dukes in this realm. Regarding "official rank": the "Royal Regulations" says: "The king's regulation of stipends and ranks has five classes in all, namely duke, marquis, earl, viscount, and baron." This was the Zhou system. The Baihu tong says: "Rank (jue) means delineation; each measures their duties and fully employs their talents." Regarding "being poor, having no wealth to bestow": the Liji's "Tan Gong" says: "In former times, the state of Wei had a severe famine. The Master made porridge and gave it to the starving people of the state; was that not benevolence?" Wang Bi says: "When promoting the swift advance of things, righteousness does not compare to material benefit." Therefore it is said here that without wealth, the world does not esteem one. Regarding "without imperial favor one lacks awe-inspiring prestige": favor means love; being loved and esteemed by the emperor, one then has awe-inspiring prestige. The Wenxuan says: "The Prince of Xin'an's imperial favor topped the various vassal states." Regarding "spiritual comprehension and bright discernment": like the wisdom of Zang Wuzhong. Regarding "the feelings of beings do not bow": they do not bow in respect. Regarding "venerable age": the Erya says, "Elderly (qi) means a white appearance," referring to white hair. Regarding "these base persons (si'e)": si should be written as the si meaning servant, pronounced si; si means menial servant. Also, si is like low. Regarding "conduct without blemish": a blemish (xia) is a flaw in jade. Maintaining conduct that is pure and upright is like jade without blemish. The Shijing says: "Remembering that gentleman, he is gentle as jade." Regarding "while externally attaining respect and affection": the Shijing says: "If a person has no propriety, why does he not quickly die? If a person has no decorum, what is he doing not dying?" Regarding "superiors are not harmonious": taking the powerful and noble as superiors, they are not necessarily all above oneself. Regarding "reputation does not reach far": because of not being praised by superiors. Regarding "the powerful and noble sing his praises": because superiors are harmonious, they sing praises of his virtue. The "Summary of the Rules of Propriety" says: "Colleagues praise his brotherliness; comrades praise his benevolence; acquaintances praise his trustworthiness." Zheng's commentary says: "Colleagues are those holding the same office; comrades are those sharing the same purpose." Regarding "no kindness extending to those below": those below refers to the common people. The Zuo zhuan says: "Regard the people as children." It also says: "Zi Chan administered government for one year, and the cart drivers chanted about him. After three years, the people also sang of him, saying: 'We have sons and brothers, Zi Chan instructs them; we have fields and plots, Zi Chan cultivates them. If Zi Chan dies, who will succeed him?'" Also, the Shijing says: "Shady and sweet pear tree, do not clip it, do not fell it, for the Earl of Shao rested beneath it." These are all instances of kindness extending to the common people, who therefore revered and respected him.