起信論疏筆削記 14.20

14.20

In unfolding the general [categories]: in the treatise, "parents, and so forth" refers to examples such as Śākyamuni delivering Rāhula, which was through the power of a father. Furthermore, his delivering mothers, sons, nephews, and the like was through the power of relatives and kinsmen. Likewise, Śuddhamatī together with Vimalagarbha and Vimalanetra converting King Śubhavyūha was also through the power of relatives. This means that because it was suitable to transform and deliver those individuals through such means, the Buddha manifested for them bodies of parents and so forth; the remaining cases are analogous. In the treatise, "servants" refers to providing service and running errands. The Nirvāṇa Sūtra states: "Toward those who are proud and regard themselves as noble, I become a servant on their behalf, hastening to serve and attend them." The Vimalakīrti[-nirdeśa] states: "Seeing those in need of attendants, he manifests as a servant for them; once their wishes are gratified, he inspires the mind of the Way in them." In the treatise, "friends" refers to acquaintances and friends, just as Śāriputra converted Maudgalyāyana, cutting, polishing, and refining together to jointly complete their vessels. In the treatise, "enemies" refers to examples such as King Ajātaśatru murdering his parents, which led him to attain realization of the fruits. Furthermore, it is like King Anivartana [or Aparyāptasantoṣa] who, through the act of killing, caused the multitudes to all attain gates of liberation. In the treatise, "the four means of embracing" are: first, giving, causing others to attach to oneself; second, affectionate speech, expounding the Dharma for them to perfume them with pure seeds; third, beneficial conduct, adapting to whatever they practice and conveniently benefiting them to bring their good roots to maturity; fourth, empathy, sharing their misdeeds when evil occurs so as to sever their evil, and sharing their goodness when meeting good so as to advance their goodness. By using these four things to adapt to their capacities and subtly entice them, one embraces and leads them to enter the Way. However, among the five, only the fourth is an adverse expedient; the rest are all favorable.