止觀輔行傳弘決 2.23

2.23

Among these four verses, the first two are the formal invocation, and the latter two conclude the invocation. The first also has two parts: the first single [verse] is a general invocation, and the next single [verse] is a particular invocation. The first line also has two parts: the first phrase is an invocation only for oneself; the next three extend to both oneself and others. "Hardships and distress" refers to ailments of the six sense faculties. "Covers all" does not mean only Vaiśālī, but extends throughout the ten realms. The next two phrases pray to cure ignorance. Next, in the particular invocation, one prays to eliminate the three obstacles: poison is karma; afflictions are as in the text; various illnesses are retribution; joy is nirvāṇa. Nirvāṇa is the three virtues, and the three virtues destroy the three obstacles. The conclusion is as in the text. Reciting these four verses serves as the condition for transforming obstacles and also as the basis for aligning with entry into contemplation; hence one must briefly understand them. Regarding "reciting the three spells": the text of the spells is in the Sūtra on Invoking Avalokiteśvara; if practitioners [wish to use them], they should search there. Regarding "confessing and washing": just as when clothes are soiled, they must be washed; confessing is like showing them to others. The phenomenal ritual is like lye; noumenal contemplation is like pure water; the noumenal substance is like clean clothes. If one conceals defilements without repenting, one will enter the evil destinies forever. Regarding "before noon" and so forth: "fang" (direction/method) is like method. Taking the initial portions of the two periods of day and night respectively, it is therefore called before noon and the early night. "The remainder" refers to the four periods, which must follow the regular ritual and cannot be abandoned.