金光明最勝王經疏 1.12

1.12

As for the particular arising causes, according to the *Mahāprajñāpāramitopadeśa*'s explanation of the arising causes of sūtras, whatever Dharma is expounded in this sūtra is its arising cause: such as expounding lifespan, the distinctions of the three kāyas, repentance, and the purified bhūmi—each of these many phenomena is a particular arising cause. However, the Buddha's preaching contains both text and meaning; within one text and meaning, countless aspects appear in each. Now, to explain briefly, there are six meanings: first, explaining the uncontaminated fruits of bodhi and nirvāṇa; second, explaining the removal of unwholesome causes; third, causing escape from unwholesome retribution; fourth, causing cultivation of the uncontaminated causes of bodhi and nirvāṇa; fifth, causing cultivation of contaminated wholesome causes; sixth, causing the attainment of human and heavenly bliss. Among the mundane and supramundane, uncontaminated fruits are supreme; all Buddhas appear in the world for this great matter, so it is explained first to cause joyful aspiration. Next, wishing to cause seeking and learning, they teach repentance to remove unwholesome causes; when unwholesome causes cease, unwholesome fruits are extinguished. Otherwise, one cannot seek the unexcelled fruit. Having repented and removed those unwholesome causes and fruits, next one should cultivate the causes of the uncontaminated fruits. However, within these causes, there are auxiliary and direct ones. Contaminated practice is an auxiliary condition for the uncontaminated, and the direct cause for the contaminated. Therefore, fifth, contaminated causes are explained, because contaminated causes yield the blissful retributions of humans and gods. Sixth, contaminated fruits are explained. Furthermore, sentient beings have distinct spiritual dispositions (gotras): for those with the Mahāyāna gotra, the first two meanings are explained; for those determined for the Hīnayāna and those without gotra, the latter two gates are explained. Furthermore, those who have practiced long can attain the first two, and beginners can attain the latter two. Unwholesome causes and fruits are explained for both, because both those without gotra and those with near or distant cultivation can practice this. Moreover, if unwholesome causes are not first repented, one cannot generate the mind directed toward unexcelled awakening. This briefly explains the arising causes relying on the *Ṣaṇmukhīdhāraṇī-sūtra*. The chapters 'Lifespan' and 'Three Bodies' explain the uncontaminated fruits. 'Repentance' and 'Extinguishing Hindrances' explain the removal of all unwholesome causes and fruits. From the chapter 'Purified Bhūmi' downward, the uncontaminated causes are explained. From 'The Four Heavenly Kings' Observation' downward, both contaminated and uncontaminated causes and fruits are generally explained: attaining kṣānti of non-arising, leaving behind dust and defilement, attaining dharmacakṣurviśuddhi, etc., are uncontaminated causes and fruits; relative to what precedes, they are fruits; in terms of what follows, they are causes. Upholding dhāraṇīs to seek blessings, obtaining wealth, food, and drink—these are also contaminated causes and fruits, as can be known from citing the text.