金剛般若經旨贊 1.89

1.89

As for the word "verse," in Sanskrit it is *gāthā*. *Gāthās* differ, having two kinds: *śloka*. A *śloka* is translated here as "counting syllables"; it is not concerned with revealing meaning, but simply counts eight syllables. Counting eight syllables makes a line, and four lines make a verse, just like counting sheets and words in this land. An *udāna* is translated here as "gathering the scattered"; it is not limited by the number of syllables, but relies solely on revealing the meaning: when the revealed meaning is complete, it is called a line, and four lines form a verse, like poetic verses. Now, "a four-line verse" takes only the former meaning; statements differing from this are all erroneous explanations. The words "even up to" indicate speaking of the absolute minimum: minimally receiving and retaining even a single four-line verse, the merit still surpasses the former, how much more so being able to retain it all to accomplish the Buddha-fruit, the dharmakāya of the marks of merit! Therefore, concerning the marks of merit, one should abide thus.