英語訳
## Page Ten
### [Upper Section]
*(Continued)*
— (the commentary in the *Xuanzan* states that with respect to) "proclaiming the Dharma on Vulture Peak," (the meaning is) "raising the substance (*jitai*) and thereby manifesting it through its function (*yū*)." This is the meaning (being conveyed in that passage). As for the interpretations of other masters — [text damaged and illegible].
**Further inquiry:** In the next passage below in the commentary, when it interprets the matter that "the position of Kauṇḍinya the Brahmin is *jizen* (pre-ground, i.e., before the first bodhisattva ground)," [text damaged] — because it is the Transformation Body (*keshin*) that preaches, (the commentary) has judged that if the one who transforms (*nōke*, the transformer/teacher) is a Transformation Body, then the one who is transformed (*shoke*, the one being taught/converted) should be at the *jizen* stage. Yet why does (the text) now say that it is the Dharma and Reward Bodies and not the Transformation Body?
**Resolution:** The present verse "I constantly abide on Vulture Peak" etc. concurrently encompasses and expounds all three bodies. From the aspect of "constantly abiding," it speaks only of the two bodies of Dharma and Reward. "Abiding on Vulture Peak" speaks of the Transformation Body. Hence, saying above that "(the text) expounds the two bodies of Dharma and Reward" is an interpretation of the aspect of "constantly abiding." Saying "(the text) expounds the Transformation Body" is an interpretation of the aspect of "abiding on Vulture Peak." Therefore, the upper and lower (interpretations) are not in contradiction. Alternatively, if they are in contradiction, one should say there are two (separate) interpretations.
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**Question:** (This question has already been formulated and discussed by Seiben [Bhāviveka/Qingbian].) The sūtra text reads: "Kauṇḍinya of the Brahmin lineage" (etc.). In that case, the fact that this Brahmin is (at the stage of) the Tenth Dedication (*dai-jū eko*) among the Ten Dedications (*jū eko*) — how does the Zichou Master interpret this?
**Response:** "Because he has received the prediction (*juki*, *vyākaraṇa*) from the Dharma Teacher" (etc.).
Regarding this: the "Dharma Teacher" (*hōshi*) refers to the Tathāgata as transformer/teacher. The "prediction" (*juki*) is the record/designation (*kibetsu*) that is received (by the one being taught). However, since the receiving of a prediction is not fixed to any particular stage, how can one say it is the Tenth Dedication? The three-capacity Śrāvakas (*sankon shōmon*), at the levels of those in training and those beyond training (*gaku mugaku*), receive predictions of Buddhahood. Vimalagarbha the Elder (*Daiba Chōja*) is of a profound stage and has already received the prediction of Buddhahood. How then can receiving a prediction be used to interpret (his stage as) the Dharmadhātu Immeasurable Dedication (*hōkai muryō eko*, the Tenth Dedication)?
**Question:** The sūtra text reads: "Kauṇḍinya of the Brahmin lineage" (etc.). What then is the original ground (*honji*, fundamental position/stage) of this (figure)?
**Response:** The commentary offers two interpretations: first, the Tenth Dedication (*dai-jū eko*); second, a bodhisattva who has entered the grounds (*nyūchi bosatsu*) (etc.). Regarding this,
### [Lower Section]
both interpretations are unclear. Examining the sūtra text and investigating the prediction from the Dharma Teacher, (the Brahmin) seeks the Buddha's relics (*busshari*) and wishes to be born in the Trāyastriṃśa Heaven (*Tōri-ten*). His wisdom is already narrow and inferior. The Tenth Dedication is the *kegyō* (preparatory practice) stage, the utmost and highest position before the (first bodhisattva) ground (*jizen*), where wisdom is said to be vast and great. How then can one call it the Tenth Dedication? Much less (can one say it is) a bodhisattva who has already entered the grounds.
**Personal note:** Because there is no definitive (meaning) in the sūtra text, the commentary offers two interpretations. The intent of the first interpretation is as follows. The sūtra already states: "I constantly abide on Vulture Peak, proclaiming this precious sūtra" (etc.). The Buddha who transforms (others) is (seen as) the Transformation Body (*keshin*) residing on the Sacred Mountain (*Ryōzen*, Vulture Peak). Since the transforming Buddha is already a Tathāgata (operating at the) *jizen* level, the one being transformed must certainly also be at the *jizen* stage. Furthermore, as the objection (in the question) suggests, the behavioral pattern (*gyōsō*) of wishing to be born in Trāyastriṃśa Heaven is (seen as) that of a shallow position within the *jizen* stage. As for seeking the Buddha's relics in order to open the gate of skillful means (*hōben*) and to benefit sentient beings — even a bodhisattva at the *kegyō* (preparatory practice) level, why would such a one lack this practice? However, as for the claim that (the Brahmin) is said to be at the Tenth Dedication because he received a prediction — in the *Śūraṃgama Sūtra* (*Shuryōgon-kyō*), predictions are explained as being of four types: prediction before awakening the aspiration (*mihosshin juki*); prediction at the moment of awakening aspiration (*tekihosshin juki*); secret prediction (*mitsu juki*); and prediction manifestly present upon obtaining the wisdom of non-arising (*mushō-nin*). The forty stages of mind (*yonjusshin*) before the grounds constitute "prediction at the moment of awakening aspiration." Now the Tenth Dedication represents the fullness of the utmost stage (*kyokui manshin*) after arousing the firm and resolute aspiration for enlightenment (*kengomyōshin*, bodhicitta). It is for this reason that one says "Tenth Dedication." 〔Note: One should consult the commentary on the Prediction Chapter (*Juki-bon-shō*).〕
**Further inquiry:** The present Brahmin seeks the Buddha's relics and aspires to be born in Trāyastriṃśa Heaven. This should (place him at) the stage of "prediction before awakening the aspiration." How then could it be said that (he is at a stage) after the arousal of firm aspiration? Furthermore, regarding the conferral of a predestined record (*kibetsu*), the stage is not yet settled [Note: *soku* (足) is perhaps a scribal error for *jō* (定)]. Even if one were already past the point of awakening aspiration, (the figure) could be at an earlier stage — why must one necessarily say (he is) at the Tenth Dedication?
## Page Eleven
### [Upper Section]
**Resolution:** Regarding the claim "from the moment of awakening aspiration onwards" — the commentary cites the sūtra text translated by the Tripiṭaka Master Paramārtha (*Shintai Sanzō*): "The meaning taught by the Buddha — I have already heard and understood" (etc.). Having already said "I have already heard and understood," it is clearly known that this is an (stage of) awakening and understanding (*kaigo*) and not the position of "before awakening aspiration." Although this is the meaning of the latter interpretation (in the commentary), the point of negating (*shago*) "prediction before awakening aspiration" is shared (by both interpretations). Moreover, in the present sūtra text, the fact that the Brahmin explains the characteristics of the three bodies is profoundly deep. It is (seen as) not being the behavioral pattern of the "before awakening aspiration" stage.
**Another inquiry:** The latter interpretation in the commentary is not clear. Even if it says "from entering the (eighth) ground onwards" [Note: *nyū* (入) is perhaps a scribal error for *hachi* (八), "eighth"], why does it broadly say "from entering the ground onwards"? The eighth ground and above is called "the great prediction" (*dai juki*), since (those at that stage) will definitely obtain the sacred predestined record (*seiki kibetsu*). If that is the case, should one not say "(the text) speaks of the eighth ground"? Based on this, the Silla Master Heung (*Kōhōshi*,興法師) interpreted it in this way. Additionally, regarding the reasoning that "since the transforming Buddha dwells on the Sacred Mountain (*Ryōzen*), (the transforming Buddha) is a *jizen* transformer, and therefore the one being transformed should also be at the *jizen* stage" —
**Resolution:** The commentary cites the Paramārtha recension (*Shintai-bon*), taking the statement "I have already heard and understood" as evidence, (showing that this is) the stage of awakening after having transcended worldly existence through the attainment of the noble nature (*shōshō risen*, i.e., the path of seeing, *kenjōdō*). As for obtaining the sacred prediction (*seiki*) — why must it necessarily be at the eighth ground? Furthermore, the argument that because (the transforming Buddha) "dwells on Vulture Peak," the transforming Buddha is a Transformation Body — this is not appropriate. Does not "constantly abiding on Vulture Peak" (refer to) the Reward Body (*hōshin*)? This is precisely why the commentary above interpreted it as the two bodies of Dharma and Reward, is it not?
In the commentary on the assembly of the *Vajracchedikā Sūtra* (*Kongō Hannya-e*), citing the passage from the *Avataṃsaka Sūtra* (*Kegon-kyō*): "(Those at) the Tenth Dharmadhātu Immeasurable Dedication receive in advance the prediction of the great Dharma Teacher" (etc.). The present commentary is perhaps relying on that explanation.
The *Busso Shō* (commentary) states: In the present commentary's interpretation, regarding the prediction of the Dharma Teacher (and) the matter of the Brahmin being at the Tenth Dedication — the intent of saying (this is) "because (he) receives the predestined record of the great Dharma Teacher at the Tenth Dharmadhātu Immeasurable Dedication" is that one should not say that (the Brahmin) is at the Tenth Dedication
### [Lower Section]
because (he) received the prediction. The response (*shin*) (to this) is quite a biased (*hekisha*) thing.
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**Colophon:**
Kasuga Shrine, Newly Built Chamber — The First of Ten Fascicles (*jō*)
One copy was collated (*kō*) with a manuscript copy and completed.
Paper materials: arranged (*sata*) by the Archbishop (*sōzu*) of Junkenbō (Hōtoku-in, Bōmu).
Commenced on the twenty-sixth day of the sixth month of Eiroku 1 [1558]. Completed on the fifteenth day of the intercalary sixth month.
Copyist (*shippitsu*): Harunobu (*Shunsin*) — Kiyotane (*Sei'in*)