金光明最勝王經疏 6.4

6.4

The 'Chapter on King Sujāta' is analyzed through three gates. Regarding the intention behind its introduction: in the section on the transmission of learning and practice from Chapter 16 onward, there are five [divisions]; the fourth directly clarifies upholding and learning. Upholding and learning has two [parts]: first, two chapters cite past upholding and learning; next, one chapter encourages present upholding and learning. Citing the past has two intentions: first, for worldly fruits, namely the path of high status (abhyudaya); second, for transcendent fruits, namely the path of ultimate beatitude (niḥśreyasa). This is because of the distinction between initial cultivation and long cultivation, and because the two practices of great compassion and great wisdom increase. The previous chapter clarified others practicing according to the teaching to attain worldly fruits; this chapter clarifies oneself upholding and learning this sūtra, seeking transcendent fruits. Another explanation: the previous chapter fulfills the practice of transmitting this sūtra to protect the land in the preceding 'Chapter on Protecting the State', while this chapter fulfills the practice of transmitting the sūtra to attain Buddhahood and turn the wheel of the Dharma in the preceding 'Chapter on Protecting the State'; hence this chapter arises.