註四十二章經 1.94

1.94

These ten grades of comparison are because virtues vary in greatness and hindrances vary in thickness; therefore, the retributions of merit for feeding them differ. Furthermore, the Sanskrit pratyekabuddha is translated here as 'solitary awakened one'; hence it says feeding ten billion solitary awakened ones is not as good as feeding one Buddha. Why? Because the Buddha gives rise to great compassion to universally rescue all living beings, his merit is deep, vast, and inconceivable, and the retribution for making offerings to a Buddha is also the greatest.