首楞嚴義疏注經 5.34

5.34

Speaking generally of verses, there are four kinds in total: First, anuṣṭubh verses: regardless of prose or verse, whenever the count of syllables reaches thirty-two, it forms one verse. Second, called gāthā, translated here as chanting verses, or called direct verses: that is, expounding the Dharma in verse rather than versifying prose. Third, called geya, translated here as responsive verses. Fourth, called udāna, translated here as verses of collection and bestowal: that is, gathering many meanings in few words to bestow upon others for recitation and upholding. For what reason do sūtras frequently set forth verses? There are briefly eight meanings: First, because few words encompass many meanings; second, because praises are mostly made in verse; third, to expound again for those of dull faculties; fourth, for people of later times; fifth, to accord with people's inclinations; sixth, because they are easy to uphold; seventh, to make clearer what was expounded before; eighth, [to expound] what was not expounded in the prose. Now, in this sūtra, among the former four kinds, they are subsumed under the second and third; within the eight meanings, it is primarily the third and seventh, along with the second, fifth, and eighth. Furthermore, looking at the relation between prose and verse, there are five pairs of precedents: presence and absence, broad and concise, separation and combination, before and after, concealed and revealed; these will be understood in detail as we come to the text. These nine lines of verse intermingle responsive verses and chanting verses, linking and looping back, engendering each other in turn. Their overarching intent is to shatter avidyā and attachment to dharmas, so that the contemplation gateway becomes clear and pure, and one practices to realize and enter the one true dharmadhātu.