金光明最勝王經疏 5.3

5.3

"The Chapter on the Four Heavenly Kings' Observation of Humans and Devas" is distinguished through three portals: first, the purpose of its occurrence; second, the explanation of the title; third, the resolution of objections. As for the purpose of its occurrence: the preceding nine chapters elucidated the principal doctrinal teaching of the sūtra, benefiting the assembly of that time; from here on, the twenty-one chapters all constitute the dissemination section, benefiting later generations. Within the principal doctrinal teaching, there are three [aspects]: result, practice, and sphere. Now, within the dissemination section, there are also three kinds: first, the sixteen chapters on studying and practicing for dissemination; the four chapters of praise such as the ten female bodhisattvas for dissemination through praise; and the single chapter of entrustment for dissemination through transmission. The first, on studying and practicing, is divided into five: first, the "Chapter on Observation" encourages cultivation; second, the three chapters of "The Four Heavenly Kings," "Free from Defilement," and "Wish-Fulfilling" elucidate guardianship; third, the five chapters of "Great Eloquence," "Śrīdevī," "Increasing Wealth," "Dṛḍhā the Earth Goddess," and "Correct Comprehension" increase merit and wisdom; fourth, the three chapters of "Correct Discourse on the Laws of Kings," "King Sujāta," and "Protection by the Devas and Yakṣas" directly elucidate upholding and studying; fifth, the four chapters beginning with "Bestowal of Prophecy" accomplish the intent of the preceding exhortations. The Buddhas preach the Dharma to cause beings to attain happiness: the three bodies and the lifespan are the fruits of happiness, while repentance and the eradication of obstacles are the causes of happiness. The second aspect is the intent behind studying and practicing the Dharma to be enacted, which clarifies the persons capable of studying. Since supreme persons are accomplished by virtue of the supreme Dharma, and furthermore the true Dharma can be propagated because of such persons, next there is praise of both persons and the Dharma. The delivery of praise being complete, it is entrusted for transmission and practice. However, since the principal doctrinal teaching has already elucidated the fruits of happiness and causes of happiness, now this single chapter observes humans and devas, causing them to eliminate obstacles and afflictions and always attain peace and happiness, thereby exhorting that this sūtra ought to be propagated; hence this chapter arises.