維摩經義記卷第四 4.66

4.66

Concerning "Dharma offering": when we speak of "offering," it supplies the body and nourishes life. This clarifies that this Dharma supplies the dharmakāya and nourishes the life of wisdom. In another interpretation: "offering" means suiting the intentions of the person before one; if one practices according to the sūtra, one suits the sacred mind, and therefore this chapter is titled "Chapter on the Dharma Offering." From "At that time, Śakra Devānāmindra" onward clarifies that the heavenly emperor distinguishes the transmission through the three wisdoms. "Although I have heard hundreds of thousands of sūtras from the Buddha, I have never before heard this definitive true reality capable of removing doubts and perplexities." This is called "definitive." Alternatively, the clarity of the characteristic of principle is called "definitive." "As I understand the meaning and intent spoken by the Buddha, I know it is profound and far-reaching." If there are sentient beings who hear the sūtra and transmit this principle, knowing it clearly, they too will obtain this profound and far-reaching Dharma without doubt. "Those who hear this sūtra Dharma" clarifies the wisdom of hearing. "Those who believe, understand, accept, uphold, read, and recite it" is the wisdom of reflection. "How much more so those who practice according to what is taught!" clarifies the wisdom of cultivation. From "This person" onward generally clarifies the retributions of the three wisdoms. "Closing off the bad destinies": because of non-arising of badness, one does not enter the three destinies. "Opening the gates of good": practicing according to the sūtra enables practitioners to pass through, reaching near to humans and gods, and far to the marvelous fruit; hence they are called "gates." "Constantly protected and remembered by all Buddhas": the person who upholds the sūtra is perpetually aided and protected by all the sages, hence called "protected and remembered." "Subduing the non-Buddhists and destroying the demon-foes": one is able to subdue non-Buddhists to turn from error to correctness, and eradicate heavenly māras to abandon evil and follow good. "Cultivating and maintaining bodhi, dwelling peacefully at the place of awakening": this clarifies that cultivating the ten thousand practices in the realm evokes the fruit of the place of awakening, treading the tracks of the Tathāgata's conduct. From the first bhūmi to the Cloud of Dharma, all are the tracks walked by all Buddhas. From "Those who listen to the Dharma" onward clarifies that the heavenly emperor guards the disciples so that external evils do not intrude and internal good dharmas arise. From "The Buddha said, 'Excellent!'" onward is the second major division, confirming the heavenly emperor's words; that is, it clarifies the gravity of the sūtra and the gravity of the person, sealing what Vimalakīrti has spoken. Within this, it is divided into four sections.