四明尊者教行錄 4.34

4.34

Eighth question: Fascicle five, the 'Chapter on Joyful Praise' states that when ten people transmit hearing the Saddharmapuṇḍarīka Sūtra from one to another, the merit obtained from a single thought-moment of joyful praise is boundless and limitless. The Commentary determines that the initial 'Chapter on Joyful Praise' encompasses fifty merits altogether. Furthermore, the 'Chapter on Encouragement [of Bodhisattva Samantabhadra]' states: 'By accomplishing four dharmas, one can attain this sūtra.' The Commentary states: 'The older interpretation said that by being able to practice the four dharmas, one attains this sūtra in hand. We now say this is not so. The preceding text stated that the meaning of the true nature of all dharmas has already been explained for you. It also said: "In order to cause sentient beings to open, display, awaken to, and enter the vision and knowledge of the buddha." Since this is the fundamental essence of the Lotus Sūtra, one who can practice the four dharmas must attain this understanding.' A doubter says: 'The Great Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra states: "Because their roots of goodness are not yet ripe and their merit is slight, they do not even hear its name, let alone hold it in hand. If one attains it in hand, one will swiftly sit on the bodhimaṇḍa." It also states: "Once it passes through their ears, due to the power of their roots of goodness, they are certain to attain unsurpassed bodhi." From this one knows that although they do not possess the fifty merits and do not understand the true nature, merely hearing its name or holding the sūtra scroll in hand are all of immeasurable merit; one truly must not take an exclusive view here.'