金光明經文句記 2.40

2.40

Second, from "the person of the complete teaching..." downward, the violation of grasping the meaning is clarified. The "Dharma gate of stealing" refers to inherent evil. Because it is that which the Buddha takes as master, it is called "Dharma." Because wisdom enters from this, it is called a "gate." When the person of the complete teaching attains the gate, being sovereign in reverse and accordant ways, they can perform stealing of principle and also perform phenomenal stealing. The present text omits the phenomenal, which, following the examples of killing and sexual misconduct, should possess its characteristics. As for the meaning of stealing of principle, the text comes from the Aṅgulimālīya Sūtra. A verse in that sūtra says: "What is not given is bodhi; there is no one who bestows it. Taking it oneself without its being given, therefore I take what is not given." This intention is to clarify that ultimate non-taking is ultimate taking; this taking derives its name like the ocean swallowing streams. As for the "four heavy burdens," the Aṅgulimālīya Sūtra says: "Just as the great earth shoulders heavy burdens—first, the great waters; second, the great mountains; third, grasses and trees; fourth, sentient beings. The bodhisattva is also like this: when the true Dharma abides in the world for its remaining eighty years, preaching the tathāgatagarbha for all sentient beings is called the first burden, heavier than the great mountains. Hearing revilement and abuse from evil persons and being completely able to endure it is the second burden, heavier than the great waters. Having no opportunity to preach the tathāgatagarbha to kings and great ministers, preaching it only to the lowly who can endure it, is the third burden, heavier than sentient beings. Resolutely guarding remote, evil places and being unable to dwell in abundant, joyful places is the fourth burden, heavier than grasses and trees." The four burdens of that sūtra serve as metaphors for four matters; viewing the intention of the present text, they seem to serve as metaphors for the four universal vows.