維摩經略疏垂裕記 5.22

5.22

Fifth, to seal and certify [the discourse], making it a sūtra. There are two [parts]: first, the correct explanation. Regarding "that is, the skillful means teaching expired": the character "fang" (skillful) was mistakenly added by later generations; now, examining the Extensive Commentary and Daoxian's Record where this text is cited, neither contains the character "fang". Saying "that is, the teaching expired" means that once reproaching them was finished, those words were discontinued. Regarding "if not" and what follows: because [the Buddha] commanded that the past be recounted, that teaching was revived again. Having been proclaimed before the Buddha, it only then received the seal and certification; that its benefits reached the future was due entirely to this. Regarding "seal and certify": Liu Xi's Shiming says, "A seal (yin) is trust (xin); it is that by which things are verified against [a standard]." Xu Shen's Shuowen says, "Trust held by those in governance." Since the Buddha approved, it is as though there were an official seal. Second, resolving doubts.