維摩經疏卷第三．第六 6.27

6.27

The first [section] contains four [parts]: first, explaining that Vimalakīrti, wishing to go to where the Buddha was, first displayed miraculous omens; second, question and answer, explaining them; third, leading the great assembly to proceed to the Āmrapālī [grove]; fourth, explaining that the Tathāgata commanded the assembly to be seated. In the first, "The Buddha was preaching the Dharma in the Āmrapālī grove" explains the place where the signs appeared. "That ground suddenly..." shows the speed with which the signs appeared. He displayed three kinds of signs: first, "broad and vast," to accommodate the large assembly, causing the place to be broad and vast; second, "adorned," to accommodate the superior assembly and preach the supreme Dharma, he caused the ground to be adorned and pure; third, "the entire great assembly became golden in color," to cause the great assembly all to know to look up in aspiration, he caused the assembled gathering all to become golden in color. From "Ānanda addressed the Buddha..." downward is the second part, the question and answer explaining it. What the Great Being does cannot be fathomed by the small vehicle. Furthermore, wishing to let this assembly know the source of the transformation, he asks below and answers below, as is known. Third, leading the assembly to the Buddha: the text has three [parts]: first, explaining that Vimalakīrti bade Mañjuśrī that they might go together to see the Buddha; second, explaining that Mañjuśrī endorsed it, saying, "Excellent!"; third, from "At that time..." downward, Vimalakīrti leads the assembly to the Buddha. In the text, "by the power of supernatural penetrations" refers to the supernatural penetration of psychic power (ṛddhividhi-jñāna). In worldly encounters of welcoming and seeing off, one must assemble four light cavalry; when the Great Being welcomes and sends off, he conveys them by wondrous supernatural penetration. First, Pure Name placed the seats on the ground, intending to pay homage first. "Circumambulated seven times": in his heart he cherished deep reverence, contemplating the Buddha's virtues everywhere and practicing in accord with them. One may circumambulate once, three times, seven times, a hundred or a thousand times, or immeasurable times. "With single-minded joined palms" explains that his mind was devoted. Out of reverence for the Tathāgata, he stood to one side. Next, the bodhisattvas, disciples, Śakra, Brahmā, and the four heavenly kings gave up their seats and prostrated at the Buddha's feet. Because all these assemblies were seated earlier, when Pure Name brought them, they had to yield their seats. Fourth, urging the assembly to sit down: "Having consoled the bodhisattvas in accordance with the Dharma," he praised them, saying, "Welcome! Have you not grown weary in teaching and transforming sentient beings?" "They all received the instruction at once": that is, they took their seats in accordance with the instruction.