佛說盂蘭盆經疏 2.52

2.52

6. Revealing the correct Dharma. In revealing the correct Dharma, there are two parts: first, teaching the filial child the method of presenting offerings; second, teaching the saṅgha the ritual of receiving offerings. The first part further has five [aspects]: 1. determining the superior time; 2. generating the superior intention; 3. preparing superior offerings; 4. praising the superior field; 5. obtaining superior benefits. That is, the day of pravāraṇā is the superior time, like the months of spring sunshine. The filial mind is the superior intention, like fine, fresh seeds. The hundred delicacies, the five fruits, and so forth are superior offerings, like good oxen and plows. Making offerings with them is like skillfully plowing and tilling. The worthy and holy ones are the superior field, like fertile, rich soil. Living and deceased parents, the six relatives and family members, and even seven generations escaping suffering and being born in heaven are the superior benefits, like thousands of bins and tens of thousands of bushels harvested in autumn and stored in winter. How could the thrust of the sūtra text be otherwise? A wise person examining it sees it as clearly as pointing at the palm of their hand.