淨名經關中釋抄 1.7

1.7

Third, properly explaining the title of the sūtra. It is briefly divided into two: first, specific; second, general. The specific refers to "Vimalakīrti" or "Lotus"; the general refers to the single word "sūtra". As to why names have the general and the specific, there are briefly three meanings: 1. In terms of teaching: as with the Huayan, Dapin, and so on, because the teachings are different, different titles are established; this is the specific. They are all spoken by the Buddha and equally named "sūtra"; this is the general. 2. In terms of practice: as in the true Dharma-jewel of nirvāṇa, sentient beings enter through various gates, and because the entry gates are different, the practices are distinct, and thus specific names are required; but all tending toward nirvāṇa is a single principle, and thus the name is general. 3. In terms of principle: the principle is a single phenomenon, yet names and meanings are manifold. Hence it is said: "Just as Heavenly Lord Śakra has various names, liberation is also like this, having many names." Because the names are different, they are called specific; because they are the same single principle, they are called general. From the teaching one gives rise to practice; from practice one enters the principle: all possess the general and the specific. First the specific name is explained, and afterwards the person and the Dharma are differentiated. Why are both designated together? Because without the person there is no way to propagate the Dharma, and without the Dharma there is no way to reveal the person; this is indeed to honour the person and esteem the Dharma.