金光明經玄義 1.6

1.6

As for the order of arising, in this Sahā world sounds perform the buddha-work: one may first hear the title from a good spiritual friend, or hear the title from a sūtra scroll, and therefore the title comes first. Because one hears the title, one next recognizes the substance of the Dharma. When the substance is revealed, practice follows next; practice is precisely the gist. When the gist is accomplished, there is efficacy; efficacy is precisely the function. The function is able to benefit beings; because it benefits beings, one teaches others. Hearing the title is the beginning of one's own practice; bestowing teachings is the beginning of transforming others. Possessing both beginning and end—is that not proper only to a sage? The order of arising of the five chapters is like this.