法華經義記 1.20

1.20

Now, according to what our school practices, it is said that sūtras, without exception whether great or small, are divided into three sections. As for these three sections: the first is called the preface, the second is termed the main exposition, and the third is designated the dissemination. Now, in this threefold scheme of dividing sections, the first division into three sections itself comprises three stages: first, explaining the meaning of the terms. 'Preface' (xù) takes the underlying circumstances (yuányóu) as its meaning, serving as an prefatory formulation (quánxù) for the main exposition. As for the 'main exposition' (zhèngshuō), it directly clarifies the overarching meaning of an entire sūtra contained therein, revealing the cause of identical return and explaining the retribution of prolonged life. 'Flowing' (liú) takes moving forward as its meaning, adopting a metaphor as its name. 'Transmitting' (tōng) takes the absence of obstruction as its meaning. Such are the names and meanings of the three sections. As for where the text and sentences of the three sections begin and end: the first chapter, the 'Introductory Chapter', constitutes the preface section. Second, from the 'Skillful Means Chapter' onwards, down through the prose passage where Maitreya speaks verses praising the Buddha in the 'Discrimination of Merits Chapter', there are fourteen and a half chapters in all; this is the main exposition of the sūtra, wherein the two dharmas of cause and effect are manifested in this text. Third, as for the dissemination: from the beginning of the prose passage following Maitreya's verses in the 'Discrimination of Merits Chapter', which states: 'The Buddha addressed Bodhisattva Maitreya: "If there are sentient beings who hear that the Buddha's life span is so long and far-reaching, and can even generate a single thought of faith and understanding, you should know that this is the mark of deep faith and understanding,"' down to the end of the sūtra, there are eleven and a half chapters in all, all of which constitute the dissemination and entrustment.