梵網經菩薩戒本疏 1.55

1.55

Third, from 'This bodhisattva' downward explains proscribing [actions] to cultivate wholesome practices. Within this there are two: first, proscribing to give rise to an exalted mind; second, proscribing to undertake acts of rescue. In the former, 'this bodhisattva' designates the person who upholds the precepts. 'Should give rise to' is a phrase of command. 'Constantly abiding' has two meanings: first, giving rise to this loving-kindness and so forth constantly in the mind without a moment's forgetting, hence it is called constantly abiding; second, commanding one to give rise to this loving-kindness that accords with true reality, hence it is called constantly abiding. The former is personal continuity; the latter accords with the immutable. Furthermore, the former is uninterrupted; the latter is extremely profound. Using this deep and thick loving-kindness and compassion, one broadly focuses on all inferior sentient beings with the intention to pull out suffering and bestow happiness; furthermore, using a deep and thick filial mind, one specifically focuses on superior parents, teachers, and elders with the intention to repay kindness and make offerings. Another explanation: focusing on three classes of sentient beings gives rise to these three minds: 1. toward enemies, one gives rise to loving-kindness; 2. toward the suffering, one gives rise to compassion; 3. toward superior ranks, one gives rise to filiality. Another explanation: generally pervading every single sentient being, each has these three minds, because all sentient beings have all previously been one's parents and so forth. If relying on the Avataṃsaka, one universally gives rise to ten minds, as explained previously in the remedial practices. 2. 'Expediently rescue and protect' means, relying on the mind, giving rise to practice and performing beneficial deeds. Expedient means has two senses: first, skillfully desiring the beneficial deeds performed to be accomplished; second, skillfully desiring to perform what is beneficial without incurring faults. Rescuing and protecting has five meanings: 1. Performing acts of rescue toward inferior sentient beings accords with the former loving-kindness and compassion; performing acts of protection toward superior sentient beings accords with the former filial mind. 2. Toward those already in suffering, one rescues them to obtain release; toward those who have not yet entered suffering, one protects them so they do not enter. 3. Those in suffering are rescued; those who have obtained happiness are protected. 4. Through rescuing, one causes them to leave suffering and attain happiness; through protecting, one causes them to abandon evil and abide in goodness. 5. Rescuing and protecting are one single matter: namely, delivering sentient beings.