金光明最勝王經疏 1.36

1.36

三、依行者，〈三身品〉云「如諸善男子白佛言：『世尊！何者為善？何者不善？何者正修得清淨行？』諸佛如來及弟子眾即便為說，令其聞悟。彼既聞已，正念憶持、發心修行，即斷十一障、得入十一地。」乃至舉喻「譬如真金鎔銷冶鍊」，此喻修行。「既燒打已無復塵垢」，此喻得果。即所修行，亦得喻金亦如光明，故〈四天王護國品〉云「我等四王藥叉眷屬，擁護是經及說法師，以智光明而為助衛」等，此即修行。能修行者亦得名為最王，如王王子位等。又人天八部所有諸王能行此經，亦王中勝，名最勝王。故〈觀察品〉云「當令彼王於諸王中最為第一」等，斯即依行。

Third, regarding [explaining] according to practice: the "Three Bodies Chapter" says: "Just as good sons addressed the Buddha, saying: 'World-Honoured One! What is wholesome? What is unwholesome? What is correct cultivation that attains pure practice?' The tathāgatas and the assembly of disciples immediately expounded it for them, causing them to hear and awaken. Having heard it, with correct mindfulness they remembered and upheld it, generated the aspiration and cultivated practice, whereupon they severed the eleven obstacles and attained entry into the eleven grounds." It further offers a metaphor: "For example, true gold being melted, smelted, and refined"—this metaphorises cultivation and practice; "after being fired and beaten it has no more dirt or defilement"—this metaphorises attaining fruition. Thus, the practice cultivated can also be metaphorised by gold and also by light and radiance. Therefore, the "Four Heavenly Kings Protecting the Nation Chapter" says: "We, the four kings with our yakṣa retinues, protect and maintain this sūtra and the dharma master, assisting and guarding with the light of wisdom," and so forth—this is cultivation and practice. One who is able to cultivate practice can also be called the most victorious king, like the position of a king or prince. Furthermore, all kings among humans, devas, and the eight classes who are able to practice this sūtra are also supreme among kings, named the most victorious kings. Therefore, the "Observation Chapter" says: "It will cause that king to be foremost among all kings," and so forth; this is [explaining] according to practice.