大乘入道次第開決 1.3

1.3

'Bowing the head', and so forth: the commentary below is broadly divided into three sections. The first three verses are the section expressing reverence and stating the intention. From 'Now, wishing…' onward is the section correctly explaining what is taught. The final verse is the section concluding the teaching and dedicating merit. The first section is further divided into two. The first two verses take refuge in and pay homage to the Three Jewels; the latter single verse states the intention in composing the work. The former also has two parts: the first two words indicate the characteristics of the one who rides; 'the unsurpassed', and so forth, indicates the virtues that are revered. As for 'bowing the head', 'bowing' means bending down; 'head' means the head. Bending one's exalted head to salute the lowly feet displays the utmost reverence; hence it says 'bowing the head'. 'The unsurpassed', and so forth, reveals the characteristics of the vehicle. Within it, there are three, namely the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. The first four lines display the Buddha Jewel. The upper two lines display the causal practices of the Buddha's two benefits. The lower two lines clarify the resultant virtues of the Buddha's two benefits. The former again has two parts: this line displays the causal practice of self-benefit. 'Harmonizing' means harmonizing; 'regulating' means controlling. Harmonizing and controlling the actions of body, speech, and mind, leaving behind evil and advancing in good, completes the practice of self-benefit.