（1） To explain， to interpret. （2） A commentary that explains the meaning of a sutra or a /sa^stra （nirde/sa）. （3） The explanatory part of a work， as opposed to the main text or a verse. （4） Used for transliteration， such as /sakra， /sakya. （5） An abbreviation of 释加 （Skt. S/a^kya， Pali: Sa^kiya）， a general surname applied to all East Asian monks and nuns during the earlier periods of the assimilation of Buddhism into East Asia， a custom probably initiated by Daoan 道安 of the Eastern Qin. Also written as释家， 释氏， 释子， etc.