維摩經疏卷第三．第六 3.3

3.3

Second, regarding the explanation of the title: The Buddha is endowed with superior virtues and is called the Teacher of Gods and Humans. The śrāvakas and others, personally receiving liberation from the Buddha, are called "disciples." This is a reciprocal naming between master and disciple. It is also said: learning after the Buddha, they are called "younger brothers" (di); born transformed from the Dharma, they are called "sons" (zi). Those who were commanded are his disciples. With respect to this theme, it is titled the "Chapter on the Disciples." According to the Vimalakīrtinirdeśa Sūtra, it is called the "Chapter on the Śrāvakas." If it were called the "Chapter on the Disciples," it might be feared to include the bodhisattvas.