佛頂尊勝陀羅尼經教跡義記 1.29

1.29

述曰：此經一部，分為三分，先明三分，後明二序。言三分者，一、教起因緣分。二、聖教所說分。三、依教奉行分。從經「如是我聞」下至「具如上說」，是教起因緣分。從「爾時如來」下至「俱來見我」，是聖教所說分。從「爾時天帝」下至「信受奉行」，是依教奉行分。夫聖人說法必有所敘，所化俗流須驚耳，率爾而說不起敬情，故經先標教起因緣分。既淨心信仰，即開宗受法，次明聖教所說分。群生不寂大悲無限，是以傳訓，故言依教奉行分。

The commentary states: This sūtra in its entirety is divided into three sections; first clarify the three sections, and later clarify the two prefaces. Regarding the three sections: first, the section on the causes and conditions for the arising of the teaching; second, the section spoken by the holy teaching; third, the section on practicing in accordance with the teaching. From the sūtra's "Thus have I heard" down to "fully as explained above" is the section on the causes and conditions for the arising of the teaching. From "At that time the Tathāgata" down to "come together to see me" is the section spoken by the holy teaching. From "At that time the Heavenly Emperor" down to "faithfully received and practiced it" is the section on practicing in accordance with the teaching. Now, when a sage preaches the Dharma, there must be an introduction; the common people to be transformed need to have their ears astonished, for if it were preached abruptly, no reverence would arise; therefore the sūtra first designates the section on the causes and conditions for the arising of the teaching. Once their minds are purified in faith, the doctrine is opened and the Dharma is received; next it clarifies the section spoken by the holy teaching. Sentient beings are not at peace and the great compassion is boundless, hence the instruction is transmitted; therefore it says the section on practicing in accordance with the teaching.