無量壽經優婆提舍願生偈註 1.5

1.5

此論始終凡有二重：一是總說分、二是解義分。總說分者，前五言偈盡是。解義分者，「論曰」已下長行盡是。所以為二重者，有二義：偈以誦經，為總攝故；論以釋偈，為解義故。無量壽者，言無量壽如來壽命長遠不可思量也。經者，常也，言安樂國土佛及菩薩清淨莊嚴功德。國土清淨莊嚴功德，能與眾生作大饒益，可常行于世，故名曰經。優婆提舍是佛論議經名。願是欲樂義。生者，天親菩薩願生彼安樂淨土。如來淨華中生，故曰願生。偈是句數義，以五言句略誦佛經，故名為偈。譯婆藪云天，譯槃頭言親。此人字天親，事在《付法藏經》。菩薩者，若具存梵音，應言菩提薩埵。菩提者，是佛道名。薩埵，或云眾生或云勇健。求佛道眾生有勇猛健志，故名菩提薩埵。今但言菩薩，譯者略耳。造，亦作也。庶因人重法，故云某造。是故言無量壽經優婆提舍願生偈，婆藪槃頭菩薩造。解論名目竟。

This treatise from beginning to end has two main sections: the first is the general summary section, and the second is the section explaining the meaning. The general summary section consists entirely of the preceding five-syllable verses. The section explaining the meaning consists entirely of the prose from "The treatise says" onward. The reason there are two sections is due to two purposes: verses are used to recite the sūtra in order to provide a general synopsis; the treatise is used to explain the verses in order to clarify the meaning. "Immeasurable Life" means that the lifespan of the Tathāgata of Immeasurable Life is so long and vast as to be immeasurable. "Sūtra" means constant; it refers to the pure adornment of merits of the Buddha and bodhisattvas of the Land of Peace and Bliss. The pure adornment of merits of that land can bring great benefit to sentient beings and may be practiced constantly in the world; therefore, it is called a sūtra. Upadeśa is the name of the Buddha's discourse-sūtras. "Aspiration" has the meaning of desire and delight. "Rebirth" means that Bodhisattva Vasubandhu aspires to be reborn in that Pure Land of Peace and Bliss. Being born within the pure lotus of the Tathāgata, it is therefore called "aspiration for rebirth." "Gāthā" has the meaning of a metric verse; because it briefly recites the Buddha's sūtra in lines of five syllables, it is named gāthā. Vasu is translated as "heaven" (tian), and bandhu is translated as "kinsman" (qin). This person's style name is Tianqin; this matter is found in the Record of the Transmission of the Dharma Treasury. As for "bodhisattva," if the Sanskrit sound were fully preserved, one should say bodhisattva. Bodhi is the name for the Buddha's path. Sattva means either sentient being or one of heroic strength. A sentient being who seeks the Buddha's path with a brave and valiant resolve is therefore called a bodhisattva. Now saying merely "bodhisattva" is just an abbreviation by the translator. "Composed" also means made. Hoping that people will esteem the Dharma on account of the person, it is said that such-and-such composed it. Therefore, it says: "Verses of Aspiration for Rebirth with an Upadeśa on the Sūtra of Immeasurable Life, composed by Bodhisattva Vasubandhu." The explanation of the treatise's title is concluded.