維摩經義記卷第四 4.68

4.68

The second major section is from "Heavenly Emperor, suppose the three-thousandfold world were filled with Tathāgatas" down to "The marks of bodhi are immeasurable, and by this cause and condition the merit is immeasurable." This clarifies by comparison that material offerings are not equal to the Dharma offering. Why it is superior is that material offerings cannot cause people to attain the path; one must understand and aspire to awaken to the path. The third, from "In the past there was a Buddha named Medicine King Tathāgata" down to "The last Tathāgata was named King of the Tower," clarifies adducing the past as verification. The fourth, from "Therefore, Heavenly Emperor, you should know this essential point" onward, clarifies the conclusive exhortation.