英語訳
## Page Ten
### [Upper Section]
*(Continued from previous page)*
— (the phrase) "proclaiming (the sūtra) on Vulture Peak" expresses the fundamental essence (*jitai*, i.e., the Dharma and Reward Bodies) by raising them up and manifesting (their) function (through the Transformation Body's preaching) — this is the intent (of the *Xuanzan*'s commentary). As for the interpretations of other masters: [text damaged and illegible].
**Further inquiry:** In the commentary's next passage, where it explains that the position of the Brahmin Kauṇḍinya (*Kyōjinnyo*) is "pre-ground" (*jizen*, prior to the first bodhisattva ground), [text damaged] ... because (the teaching was expounded) by the Transformation Body (*keshinshin*). Since the one who transforms and guides (*nōke*) is the Transformation Body, it is judged that those being transformed and guided (*shoke*) should be (practitioners of) the pre-ground stage. Yet why does (the text) now say it is the Dharma and Reward Bodies and not the Transformation Body?
**Resolution:** The verse "I constantly abide on Vulture Peak" and the lines that follow cover and explain all three bodies together. As for the aspect of "constantly abiding" (*jōzai*), this speaks only of the two bodies of Dharma and Reward; "(abiding) on Vulture Peak" expresses the Transformation Body. Therefore, the statement above that it expounds "the two bodies of Dharma and Reward" interprets the aspect of "constantly abiding," while the statement that it expounds "the Transformation Body" interprets the aspect of "(abiding) on Vulture Peak." Consequently, the upper and lower (portions of the commentary) are perhaps not in contradiction. Alternatively, (if) the upper and lower (passages) are in contradiction, one should say there are two interpretations.
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**Question:** (This question has already been taken up by Seiben [Qīngbiàn]) The sūtra text reads: "a Brahmin of the Kauṇḍinya clan" (etc.). In that case, how does the Zichou (*Shishū*) Master explain the claim that this Brahmin corresponds to the tenth *pariṇāmanā* (*eko*, stage of dedication) among the ten *pariṇāmanās*?
**Response (Answer):** Because (the Brahmin) obtained the prediction (*juki*/*vyākaraṇa*) from the Dharma-master (etc.).
Regarding this: the "Dharma-master" refers to the transforming Tathāgata (*nōke nyorai*), and the "prediction" refers to the *vyākaraṇa* (formal prophecy of future Buddhahood) that (the disciple) receives. However, obtaining a prediction and (the practitioner's) stage of practice are not fixed (in a one-to-one correspondence). How then can one say it corresponds to the tenth *pariṇāmanā*? The śrāvakas of the three (grades of) faculties, while at the stage of those in training and those beyond training (*śaikṣa* and *aśaikṣa*), still receive the prediction of future Buddhahood. Even the elder Trapuṣa (*Daiba Chōja*), who was already at a profound level, had already received the prediction of Buddhahood. How can one use "obtaining a prediction" to explain (the Brahmin's being at) the Stage of the Dharmadhātu and Immeasurable Dedication (*hōkai muryō ekō*, the tenth *pariṇāmanā*)? How is this to be understood?
**Question:** The sūtra text reads: "a Brahmin of the Kauṇḍinya clan" (etc.). In that case, what is (this Brahmin's) original stage of practice?
**Response (Answer):** The commentary offers two interpretations: first, the tenth *pariṇāmanā*; second, a bodhisattva who has entered (the first bodhisattva) ground (*nyūchi bosatsu*) (etc.). Regarding this,
### [Lower Section]
neither of the two interpretations is clear. When one opens the sūtra text and examines it — (this Brahmin) sought the Buddha's śarīra (relics), wished to be reborn in Trāyastriṃśa Heaven (*Tōri-ten*, the Heaven of the Thirty-Three), and his wisdom was already narrow and inferior. The tenth *pariṇāmanā* is the stage of intensified practice (*kegyō-i*) and the highest point of the pre-ground (stages), where wisdom is broad and vast. How can one say it corresponds to the tenth *pariṇāmanā*? Still less (can one say it corresponds to) a bodhisattva who has entered the (first bodhisattva) ground.
**Personal note:** Since the sūtra text is not fixed (in supporting one interpretation), the commentary offers two interpretations. The intent of the first interpretation is as follows: The sūtra has already stated, "I constantly abide on Vulture Peak, proclaiming this precious sūtra" (etc.). The Buddha who is the transformer/teacher (*nōke*) appears to be the Transformation Body that dwells on Vulture Peak. Since the transforming Buddha is already a Tathāgata of the pre-ground stage (i.e., a Transformation Body), those being transformed (*shoke*) should certainly also be of the pre-ground stage. Furthermore, as pointed out in the objection, the behavioral characteristics (*gyōsō*) of wishing to be reborn in Trāyastriṃśa Heaven appear to be those of a shallow pre-ground stage. As for seeking the Buddha's śarīra in order to open the gate of skillful means (*hōben*) and benefit sentient beings — even a bodhisattva at the stage of intensified practice (*kegyō-i*) — how could (such a bodhisattva) lack these practices? However, as for saying (the Brahmin) is at the tenth *pariṇāmanā* because (he) obtained a prediction: in the *Śūraṃgama Sūtra* (*Shuryōgon-kyō*), the predictions are explained as being of four types: ① A prediction given to one who has not yet awakened the aspiration for enlightenment (*mihotsshin juki*); ② A prediction given to one who has just awakened the aspiration (*tekihosshin juki*); ③ A secret prediction (*mitsu juki*); ④ A prediction given in the immediate presence (of the Buddha) upon attaining the wisdom of non-arising (*mushō hōnin*). The forty (stages of) mind in the pre-ground belong to the category of "predictions given to one who has just awakened the aspiration." And the tenth *pariṇāmanā* is, from (the moment of) awakening the firm aspiration for bodhi (*kengobodaishin*), the very highest and most complete (*manju*) stage. Hence it is said to correspond to the tenth *pariṇāmanā*. (One should consult the commentary on the *Juki-hon* [Prediction Chapter].)
**Further inquiry:** This Brahmin was seeking the Buddha's śarīra and longing for Trāyastriṃśa Heaven. Should this not be the stage of "prediction given to one who has not yet awakened the aspiration"? How can one say it is the stage after firm awakening of the aspiration? Furthermore, as for the matter of receiving the *vyākaraṇa* (prediction), the stage is not yet established (sufficient). Even granting that (the person) is post-awakening, (if the person remains) at earlier stages, why must one necessarily say (the person) is at the tenth *pariṇāmanā*?
## Page Eleven
### [Upper Section]
**Resolution:** Regarding the matter of "(the person being) post-awakening of the aspiration," the commentary cites the sūtra text translated by the Tripiṭaka master Paramārtha (*Shintai Sanzō*) and states: "The meaning of what the Buddha has taught, I have already heard and understood" (etc.). Having already said "I have already heard and understood," it is clearly known that the awakening (spoken of here) is not the stage of one who has not yet awakened the aspiration. Although this is the intent of the latter interpretation (the second of the two interpretations), the matter of ruling out the "prediction to one who has not yet awakened the aspiration" is the same (in both interpretations). Moreover, in the present sūtra text, the Brahmin's exposition of the characteristics of the three bodies (*sanshin*) is extremely profound. It is clearly not the behavioral characteristics of one who has not yet awakened the aspiration.
**Another inquiry:** The latter interpretation of the commentary is not clear. Even granting that it is said to be "after entering the (first bodhisattva) ground (*nyūchi igo*)," why does it explain so broadly "(everything after) entering the ground"? From the eighth ground upward is called the "great prediction" (*daijuki*), because (a bodhisattva at that stage) is certain to obtain the sacred *vyākaraṇa*. If so, then should one not say "(the Brahmin is at) the eighth ground"? Based on this reasoning, Hŭngbŏp (*Kōhō*) of Silla interpreted it this way. Furthermore, the teaching that the transforming Buddha dwells (*jūsuru*) on Vulture Peak (means that the Buddha) is a pre-ground (*jizen*) transforming teacher. Should those being transformed also be pre-ground?
**Resolution:** The commentary cites the Paramārtha translation and uses the statement "I have already heard and understood" as evidence, (understanding this Brahmin) as being at the stage of awakening after the separation from arising (*shōshō rishō*; i.e., having entered the path of seeing, *kendo*). As for obtaining the sacred prediction, why must it necessarily be the eighth ground? Furthermore, the notion that because (the Buddha) "dwells on Vulture Peak," the transforming teacher is the Transformation Body — this is not appropriate. Does not "constantly abiding on Vulture Peak" (rather) refer to the Reward Body (*hōshin*)? It is for this reason that the commentary above interpreted (the text) as "the two bodies of Dharma and Reward," is it not?
In the commentary-explanation (*eshaku*) on the *Vajracchedikā* (*Kongō Hannya*, Diamond Sūtra), citing the teaching of the *Avataṃsaka Sūtra* (*Kegon-kyō*): "(At) the tenth (stage of dedication), the Dharmadhātu and Immeasurable Dedication, (the bodhisattva) receives in advance the prediction of a great Dharma-master" (etc.). The present commentary perhaps relies upon that teaching.
The *Butsumoshō* (*Bussho-shō*, "Mother of Buddhas Commentary") states: The present commentary's interpretation — that the Brahmin is at the tenth *pariṇāmanā* because of the (Brahmin's) prediction as Dharma-master — is based on the reasoning that "(at) the tenth stage, the Dharmadhātu and Immeasurable Dedication, (the bodhisattva) receives the *vyākaraṇa* of the great Dharma-master." (The objection that asks:) Is it not rather that the Brahmin is at the tenth *pariṇāmanā* because the Brahmin obtained the prediction? — to pursue this
### [Lower Section]
(line of argument) is quite mistaken. (The commentary) is not saying that the Brahmin is at the tenth *pariṇāmanā* because the Brahmin obtained the prediction. To pursue (the objection) in (that) way is quite beside the point.
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### [Colophon]
At the newly built hall (*shizōya*) of the Kasuga Shrine (as stated at the end),
(this is) the first (fascicle) of the ten fascicles (*jūjō*),
(compared and verified) once against one manuscript copy (*shahon*), (collation) completed.
The paper (*ryōshi*) was arranged (*sata*) by the *sōzu* (junior bishop) of Junken-bō (Hōtoku-in's administrative post).
Begun on the twenty-sixth day of the sixth month of Eiroku 1 (1558),
and completed on the fifteenth day of the intercalary sixth month.
Copyist (*shippitsu*): Harunobu (*Shunshō*) Kiyotane (*Seiin*)