四教義 10.30

10.30

Third, explaining the external functions that benefit beings: this refers to being able to produce two kinds of benefit, hidden and manifest. First, regarding the hidden benefit: upon entering the king of samādhis, all kings of samādhis are contained within it; therefore, when all sentient beings undergo various sufferings and distress, and single-mindedly take refuge, recite the name, and plead for rescue and protection, the bodhisattva, abiding in samādhi, contemplates their three karmas, and all attain liberation. Liberation has eight kinds: first, destroying the suffering of retribution in the twenty-five states of existence; second, destroying the suffering of causes in the twenty-five states of existence; third, destroying the suffering of defilements of views and thoughts in the twenty-five states of existence for voice-hearers; fourth, destroying the suffering of defilements of views and thoughts in the twenty-five states of existence for pratyekabuddhas; fifth, destroying the suffering of defilements of views and thoughts in the twenty-five states of existence for bodhisattvas of the Tripiṭaka teaching; sixth, destroying the suffering of defilements of views and thoughts in the twenty-five states of existence for persons of the three vehicles of the shared teaching; seventh, destroying the suffering of distinctive delusions of ignorance as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the twenty-five states of existence for bodhisattvas of the distinctive teaching; eighth, destroying the suffering of delusions of nescience regarding the three truths in the twenty-five states of existence for bodhisattvas of the perfect teaching. Single-mindedly reciting the name brings liberation to all—the intention lies right here; hence it is said that the twenty-five samādhis can destroy the twenty-five states of existence. Second, regarding the manifest benefit: this means that abiding in the twenty-five samādhis, when the capacities and conditions of sentient beings in the ten dharmadhātus come to resonate, the bodhisattva universally manifests physical bodies, bestowing joy upon sentient beings in eight turns, just like Avalokiteśvara's marks of supernatural transformations shown in the Universal Gate. If there are sentient beings who should be delivered through a buddha body, they can accomplish the path through the eight marks and manifest bodies to preach the Dharma; this is what this sūtra explains as 'abiding in the inconceivable liberation, producing manifold manifestations.' This bodhisattva, having fulfilled the holy practices of the first ground, is endowed with great loving-kindness and great compassion without external conditions, just as a lodestone attracts iron.