維摩經疏卷第三．第六 3.41

3.41

"The Buddha told Kātyāyana:": this translates as "Fan-cord" (Shansheng). His father died early, and his mother longed for him and did not remarry, like a cord tied to a fan that the wind cannot blow away; hence he took this name. It is also translated as "Superior in Reflection" (Sisheng), which was the name of an ancient ṛṣi; because he surpassed other people in learning and reflection, he took his name from that clan. He was of a great Brahmin clan of Southern India, skilled at distinguishing meanings and foremost in discussion. Therefore [the Buddha] instructed him to inquire after the illness. However, he did not comprehend dharmatā, which is why he incurred the rebuke. In terms of practice and understanding, when preaching the Dharma and instructing people he was unskilled in the medicine of Dharma; therefore [Vimalakīrti] advanced him with the profound Dharma.