金光明最勝王經疏 2.4

2.4

Regarding giving rise to correct understanding: from this chapter down to ‘The Chapter on Fulfilling Vows by Relying on Emptiness’, there are nine chapters explaining the main body of the sūtra. The first two chapters explain the fruit; the next five chapters explain the practice; the last two chapters explain the objective sphere. Another interpretation says: The first two chapters explain the fruit generally and specifically to make beings rejoice in it. Next, from ‘The Chapter on Confession in a Dream’ downward, the intention is to lead to cultivation. The basis of cultivation does not exceed eradicating evil and cultivating good: the two chapters ‘Confession’ and ‘Extinguishing Hindrances’ eradicate evil, and the chapters below cultivate good. Within cultivating good, first there is the pure cultivation of the stages; next, ‘Praise by the Simile of the Lotus’ removes doubts and explains causes; ‘The Most Victorious Golden Dhāraṇī’ causes one to see all buddhas so that one’s practice does not regress; ‘Re-elucidating Emptiness’ aims to make practice accord with reality; ‘Fulfilling Vows by Relying on Emptiness’ realizes the principle and perfects practice. Now this single chapter generally clarifies bodhi and nirvāṇa, and also specifically clarifies nirvāṇa. If the assembly did not hear the Tathāgata expound bodhi and nirvāṇa for them, they would be unable to attain correct understanding. Since they would not understand correctly, how could they seek and train in the unsurpassed, supreme fruits of bodhi and nirvāṇa? Therefore, this fruit is presented first to generate understanding and awakening. Hence the text below states: ‘Wishing to benefit these ordinary beings and the assemblies of non-Buddhists and such classes of beings, and to cause them to give rise to correct understanding.’