維摩經疏卷第三．第六 6.36

6.36

In the third [section], which reveals supremacy through the comparative teachings, the text has two distinct parts: first, clarifying that Ānanda cannot receive the meaning of the three sentences; second, that the two vehicles cannot fathom the wisdom of Vimalakīrti. In the first part, there are three passages: first, Ānanda cannot receive the meaning of the three sentences; second, after hearing it, Ānanda gives rise to retreat and discouragement; third, the Tathāgata comforts him and harmonizes the understanding. In the first passage, there are three points: first, it clarifies that Ānanda, despite his vast learning, could not fully receive it even with the lifespan of a kalpa; second, from "even if..." downward, it posits hypothetically that even if many people were all like Ānanda, they still could not receive it; third, from "thus, Ānanda..." downward, it concludes with praise, revealing the profundity and explaining the lower [vehicle]. "Does not receive the Buddhas' anuttara..." downward directly praises the profundity and vastness of the realized path. "Wisdom, eloquence..." downward praises the inconceivability of the path of teaching. Since the virtues are endless, the names are likewise so. In the second passage, from "Ānanda addressed the Buddha..." downward, he examines his own meager learning and gives rise to retreat and discouragement. In the third passage, from "The Buddha told..." downward, the Sage harmonizes this for him: among the śrāvakas he may be called "foremost in hearing," but not in comparison with the bodhisattvas, so he should not generate retreat. From here below, the second part broadly divides into two: first, clarifying that the two vehicles cannot measure Vimalakīrti's wisdom and virtue; second, clarifying that the two vehicles cannot perform the spiritual penetrations possessed by Vimalakīrti. In the former, it first says, "Cease, Ānanda!"; this halts his previous words, and can also halt his calculating mind, hence it says "Cease!" Below, it admonishes him: "One who possesses wisdom should not measure or limit bodhisattvas," clarifying that such people are unfathomable. From "all the oceans..." downward, this is demonstrated through similes. Bodhisattva dhyāna should not be measured, using similes to reveal the Dharma. Concentration, wisdom, dhāraṇī, and eloquence—all the virtues of bodhisattvas cannot be measured by those below, and are therefore called immeasurable. Below, in [the section showing that] spiritual penetrations cannot be performed, "setting aside the practices of bodhisattvas" means setting aside the practiced virtues of all bodhisattvas. "What Vimalakīrti has manifested at one time" refers to what was manifested just before. If a single moment is already like this, how much more so all his affairs! From "all the śrāvakas..." downward, citing the persons of the two vehicles shows that they cannot equal the superior virtues of Vimalakīrti.