法苑珠林 53.6

53.6

Consider that the Tripiṭaka is vast and deep, and the seven assemblies are numerous and diverse. Teachings are set forth to match every capacity, brilliantly bringing about thorough understanding. Hearing of suffering and its arising, they are moved with grief and stir their hearts; listening to cessation and the path, they give rise to joy and renunciation and awaken. Its clear and refreshing tone and rhythm are as fragrant as orchids; its lofty tenets and musical cadence instruct and open the ears and eyes. Thus Aśvaghoṣa illuminated its profound principles; Nāgārjuna revived its severed transmission; Āryadeva refuted its categories of names; and the arhats synthesized its branches and order. Together they aided and extolled the wondrous scriptures, vanquishing and cutting down non-Buddhist traditions. In the bewildered ford they revealed the thoroughfare; during the long night they met the dawn. Continuing the lofty models of the Buddhist scriptures, they manifested the instructional methods of teachers and disciples. Pertaining to this, it may indeed be called glorious! The Jetavana Park seems present before us; the Deer Park is as if right in our gaze. Truly, though one has not yet realized the fruit, approaching Buddhahood is near at hand.