金光明最勝王經疏 5.37

5.37

As for resolving difficulties: Question: The protection in this chapter also extends to human kings and the other assemblies of spirits; why does it only say that the four kings protect the country? Answer: Human kings practice the Dharma and protect the country because of those four kings. Because the other spirits are the ministers of the four kings, it only speaks of the four kings protecting the country. Question: When the four kings protect those who practice the Dharma, that is protecting persons; why is it called protecting the country? Answer: Persons are the root of a country, just as it is said that sentient beings are called a buddha-field; therefore, although they protect persons, it is called protecting the country. Question: When the noble assemblies of the three vehicles and the various devas such as Śakra and Brahmā see practitioners of the Dharma, they all should guard and protect them; why does it only speak of the four kings protecting the country? Answer: In principle all should do so, but here it speaks temporarily to those who are suitable to hear it. Furthermore, the four kings are designated by name as "world-protectors" to reveal that name and practice correspond; therefore the four kings are designated, and other protectors are not mentioned. Question: When devas and humans revere the fourfold assembly who propagate the sūtra, they also protect the saddharma; why does it solely say that the four kings protect the country? Answer: The intention behind protecting the Dharma is to benefit beings, and when the Dharma abides it can bring peace to the country; to demonstrate mahākaruṇā for the benefit of others, it specifically speaks of protecting the country rather than the Dharma.