法華經義記 8.67

8.67

此品明如來有八種神力，仍為品目也。就化他流通中，本有三段，此品中初有五行一字，是第二段堪通經者；受命流通不開也。「爾時世尊」此下有六品半經是第三，正明如來以經正付囑也。前又解言：此三段之中，前一後一各有三段，中間不開也。今此中有三者：第一此半品先明付囑緣起也；第二〈囑累〉一品正明付囑也。第三有五品經，明示物通經軌則也。今且明緣起之中自有兩段：第一長行，第二偈頌也。就長行之中自有兩段：第一先明神力，第二因此歎經勸行也。今且明神力之中有二：第一先列所為時眾，第二正明神力凡有八種神力。而文成六段：第一先明長舌與放光合為一段也。「一時」下是第二段，又明兩種神力，即是謦咳與彈指二神力也。「地動」下是第三段，明第五神力也，欲使六道眾生盡發動通經意。「其中眾生」下是第四段，此明第六神力，正明如來神力令大眾徹見十方也。「即時諸天」下是第五段，明第七神力也，明諸天唱告使眾生供養。「所散諸物」下是第六段，明第八神力，表所修諸善感當來佛果也。「爾時佛告上行等」此下是長行中第二段，因此仍歎經勸行也。

This chapter clarifies that the Tathāgata possesses eight kinds of supernatural power, which provides the title of the chapter. Within [the broader rubric of] transforming others through propagation, there were originally three sections; the first five lines and one character in this chapter are the second section, [regarding] those capable of propagating the sūtra, who accept the mandate to propagate without divergence. From 'At that time the World-Honoured One' downward, six and a half chapters of the sūtra are the third section, properly clarifying that the Tathāgata formally entrusts the sūtra. As explained earlier: within these three sections, the former one and the latter one each have three sections, while the middle one does not divide. Now, here there are three: first, this half-chapter first clarifies the conditions giving rise to the entrustment; second, the single 'Chapter on Entrustment' properly clarifies the entrustment; third, the five chapters of sūtra clarify and demonstrate the models and rules for people to propagate the sūtra. Now, in clarifying the conditions giving rise [to entrustment], there are two sections: first, the prose; second, the verse recitation. Within the prose there are inherently two sections: first, clarifying the supernatural powers; second, based on this, praising the sūtra and exhorting its practice. Now, within the clarification of supernatural powers there are two parts: first, listing the assembly present for whom [they are displayed]; second, properly clarifying the supernatural powers, which are eight in all. And the text forms six sections: first, clarifying the broad tongue and emitting light, combined as one section; from 'At one time' downward is the second section, which clarifies two kinds of supernatural power, namely coughing and snapping the fingers; from 'the earth trembled' downward is the third section, clarifying the fifth supernatural power, intending to cause the sentient beings of the six paths all to arouse the intention to propagate the sūtra; from 'the sentient beings therein' downward is the fourth section, clarifying the sixth supernatural power, which properly clarifies that the Tathāgata's supernatural power causes the great assembly to see clearly throughout the ten directions; from 'instantly the devas' downward is the fifth section, clarifying the seventh supernatural power, which clarifies that the devas proclaim and announce so as to cause sentient beings to make offerings; from 'the various scattered objects' downward is the sixth section, clarifying the eighth supernatural power, indicating that the various good deeds practiced elicit the future fruition of Buddhahood. From 'At that time the Buddha addressed Viśiṣṭacāritra and others' downward is the second section in the prose, which based on this continues to praise the sūtra and exhort its practice.