梵網經古迹記 2.226

2.226

The commentary states: Only when one respects the person and honors the Dharma do superior virtues arise. Otherwise, the contrary evil dharmas will arise. Here, noble persons are mostly arrogant, and thus are singled out. The words "the listener sits below" and so forth are so that thirst and admiration arise. As the Mahāyānasaṃgraha states: 'Although a person's feet of morality be frail and weak, if they can expound the Dharma to benefit many people, they should be offered to like the World-Honoured Buddha, because receiving their good exposition is similar [to receiving it from the Buddha].' Furthermore, the Nirvāṇa[-sūtra] states: If there is one who knows the Dharma, whether old or young, one should serve them as the gods of the second heaven serve Śakra.