大毘盧遮那成佛經疏 6.151

6.151

When the sūtra says, 'At that time the vajra-holder Lord of Secrets, amidst all the assemblies, gazed intently at Vairocana Tathāgata without blinking,' the Buddha had just manifested the universal gateway maṇḍala and finished expounding the diagram and positions of the deities. The Lord of Secrets, viewing each and every one of these deities with his universal eye, saw neither root nor abiding place; all were the dharmatā-bodies of the lotus womb-treasury, generating various upāyas that can never be exhausted. At that time, deeply rejoicing and giving rise to a rare mind, he regarded this Dharma as doubly difficult to encounter. Wishing to further ask about profound meanings, he spoke verses first. The intent of the first verse is: 'All wise ones appear in the world just like that auspicious marvelous flower, appearing only from time to time.' Although a Buddha or an udumbara flower is difficult to meet, this essential Dharma of mantras is doubly difficult to meet. Why is this? It is the secret treasury of the Tathāgata, guarded through the long night and not given away haphazardly; if one lacks the capacity for sudden awakening, it does not enter one's hands. Even when the Bhagavat was in the world there was still much resentment and jealousy, how much more so in the final age! Furthermore, this sūtra itself explains the reasons why it is difficult to appear: if sentient beings see this maṇḍala even once, their heavy obstacles of evil karma from beginningless time are completely destroyed without remainder, and they will definitely obtain the prediction of great bodhi; hence it cannot be encountered by persons of dull faculties and meager merit. If even a single glance is difficult, how much more so gradual practice? One should know that such a person is all the more rare, constantly praised by the vast assembly of the universal gateway, with their fame resounding throughout the ten directions. Moreover, sharing various titles with Vairocana Tathāgata, they are therefore said to have 'immeasurable renown.'