諸經要集 3.84

3.84

第二念法者。法是無漏道無為無欲。佛者是諸法之主。法者是結使之主。法出諸佛。法生佛道。若然者。何不先念法後念佛耶。答曰。法雖微妙無能知者。猶如伏藏無處不有。要籍通人示處。方得自濟貧窮乏者。法亦如是。理雖玄妙非如來不暢。是以念佛在先。稱法為後。

Second, mindfulness of the Dharma: the Dharma is the undefiled path, unconditioned and free of desire. The Buddha is the master of all dharmas; the Dharma is the master over the defilements. The Dharma produces the Buddhas; the Dharma gives birth to the path of the Buddhas. If so, why not first be mindful of the Dharma and afterwards be mindful of the Buddha? The answer is: though the Dharma is subtle and wondrous, none can know it. It is like a hidden treasure that exists everywhere, yet one must rely on an expert person to point out the location before one can deliver those who are destitute and impoverished. The Dharma is also like this: though the principle is abstruse and wondrous, without the Tathāgata it cannot be expounded. Therefore, buddhānusmṛti comes first, and praising the Dharma comes after.