起信論疏筆削記 4.9

4.9

The commentary text has two parts: first, recounting the intention. "Bearing gratitude": the Buddha has great compassion, and therefore bestowed the teaching. The teaching does not expound itself, but was transmitted through the Saṅgha, causing me not to arrive at suffering and to attain joy; thus we know that the Three Jewels have great benevolence and virtue toward me, and out of gratitude and indebtedness, one takes refuge in them. "Protection": when wishing to compose a treatise to crush the heterodox and reveal the correct, one first takes refuge in the Three Jewels, requesting their hidden aid to help increase wisdom and bring complete comprehension—hence it says "reinforce." Fearing that demonic disturbances might create difficulties, one avails oneself of their mighty power to prevent external obstructive conditions—hence it says "protect." "Engendering faith": the author of the treatise manifests his station in the causal stage, where omniscience is not yet perfect; fearing that few would have faith in the text of the treatise he writes, if he acts by receiving their power, it will be trusted without doubt. "Formality": the principle of ministers and sons is that when wishing to undertake an action, they must first inform their lord and father. Now, when disciples of the bequeathed Dharma are about to compose a treatise, they must first take refuge in the Three Jewels to serve as a model for later generations. "Honored and supreme": the Three Jewels are revered and honored, standing preeminent among all things as the excellent field [of merit] for the world; taking refuge in them at the beginning of the treatise expresses their extraordinary superiority. "Benefiting beings": now, the Buddha, Dharma, and Saṅgha can benefit the myriad kinds, and their profit is vast indeed! Ordinary fools are confused and inverted, and none know this; therefore, extending this refuge manifests that they have great benefit for beings.