維摩經義疏 1.26

1.26

此品受名，凡具二義：第一長者献蓋、如來示土，從神通所現立名，故云佛國品。二者寶積問淨土之行、如來答佛國因果，從所說受稱，以目品名。問：眾經之首皆云序品，此教建章何故題為佛國？答：眾經初品純明序義，設有正說，正短序長，宜稱為序。此品不純明序，又序短正長，故以佛國為稱。問：正有多門，何故初明佛國？答：適化名宜，不應致問。但淨佛國土、成就眾生，蓋是菩薩要行，此經明大士法門，是故初集辨於淨土、次會已去明成就眾生，是以建篇標於佛國。又下經文云「欲得淨土，當淨其心」，心為萬行之主，故佛國貫眾品之初。

This chapter receives its title by virtue of two senses in all: First, the elder presented parasols and the Tathāgata displayed the land; taking its name from what was manifested through supernatural powers, it is called the 'Buddha-Land Chapter'. Second, Ratnākara inquired into the practice of the pure land, and the Tathāgata answered with the cause and effect of the Buddha-land; taking its appellation from what was spoken, it designates the chapter's title.

Question: The beginnings of scriptures are all called the 'Introductory Chapter'; why does this teaching establish its opening chapter under the title 'Buddha-Land'?

Answer: The initial chapters of scriptures purely explain introductory matters; even if they contain the main teaching, the main teaching is short while the introduction is long, so they should be called the introduction. This chapter does not purely explain introductory matters; furthermore, the introduction is short while the main teaching is long, so it is called 'Buddha-Land'.

Question: The main teaching has many aspects; why explain the Buddha-land first?

Answer: Fitting the transformation to what is appropriate is suitable; no question should even be raised. However, purifying the Buddha-land and bringing sentient beings to maturity are indeed the essential practices of a bodhisattva. This scripture explains the Dharma-gate of the mahāsattvas; therefore, the initial gathering discusses the pure land, and from the subsequent assembly onward it explains bringing sentient beings to maturity. For this reason, the opening chapter is designated 'Buddha-Land'. Moreover, the scripture below states: "If one wishes to attain a pure land, one must purify one's mind." The mind is the master of the myriad practices; therefore, the Buddha-land stands at the head of all the chapters.