大乘法苑義林章 2.9

2.9

Fifth, concerning the explanation of names and meanings: this is divided into two: first, explaining the general name; second, explaining the specific names. Regarding the general name, Vasubandhu's treatise states: 'For what reason is it named a piṭaka (receptacle)? Because it can contain. That is, it contains all the meanings that ought to be known.' The intention of this meaning is: because the explaining teaching can contain all the meanings that ought to be known and prevent them from being lost, it is given the name piṭaka. Moreover, another explanation states: the meaning of containing and preserving is the meaning of piṭaka; all knowable dharmas are contained in this, and it preserves the contained dharmas so that they are not lost, hence it is called a piṭaka. These specific differences include two, three, and so on. 'Two', 'three', 'six', and so forth are numeral dharmas, which among the six types of compound analysis constitute dvigu compounds. Ancient masters explained: a piṭaka has the meaning of recording; the verbal teachings of the noble ones can definitively record all dharmas, hence it is named a piṭaka.