法華經義記 1.13

1.13

Furthermore, there is another explanation that divides each of cause and fruition into three. As for the three of cause: first, the substance is broad; second, the stages are long; third, the function is lofty. 'The substance is broad' means that it gathers the various wholesome deeds of the five vehicles as cause, so its substance can be called broad. 'The stages are long' means that today it explains that the stages of cause extend from the initial aspiration up to the vajra[-mind], remedying the dangerous and evil path of five hundred yojanas; hence the stages are called long. 'The function is lofty' means that the fruition brought about by the cause clarified today transcends above the five hundred yojanas; how could the function of the cause capable of bringing it about not be lofty? The cause precisely takes bringing about fruition as its function: since what is brought about is already lofty, its capacity to recruit and accomplish affairs is no lower. The fruition possesses three meanings: first, the substance is broad; second, the function is long; third, the stage is lofty. Why is the substance said to be broad? This has two meanings: first, merit is complete: in the past, he did not guide all sentient beings to attain Buddhahood, so the merit of benevolence and compassion was not full; today it clarifies that all proceed toward the Buddha-fruition, and therefore it is called broad. The various wholesome deeds of the five vehicles together effect Buddhahood, and at the stage of fruition there is further the meaning of the habit-fruition of the five vehicles; therefore it is called broad. Wisdom is also broad: today there is further the wisdom that illuminates the cause and fruition of the One Vehicle; therefore it is called broad. Second, 'the function is long': what does fruition take as its function? It precisely takes transforming beings as its function. The reason he abides in the world for immeasurable kalpas is based on his desire to benefit beings through supernatural powers; therefore the function is long. 'The stage is lofty' means that the stage of this Buddha-fruition is above the five hundred yojanas; hence it is called lofty in stage. The intent of this reciprocal substitution can be understood through careful reflection.