法華經義記 2.27

2.27

"At that time there was a bodhisattva named Varaprabha": from here onward, within the extensive adducing of parallels of events, is the second [section], which clarifies that what will be seen should be identical to what was previously seen. Within this, there are itself four kinds of identical meanings, forming four passages: first, clarifying the identity of the person who serves as the occasion; second, the identity of the name of the expounded sūtra; third, the identity of the number of kalpas during which the sūtra was expounded; fourth, the identity of the person who undertakes dissemination. Formerly, the Buddha Candrasūryapradīpa expounded the Lotus [Sūtra] occasioned by Varaprabha; today Śākya should also have a person who serves as the occasion for expounding the Lotus [Sūtra]. Therefore, below it is clarified that in the causal stage he expounds it addressing Śāriputra, and in discerning the fruit he expounds it addressing Maitreya. Second, regarding the identity of the name of the expounded sūtra: formerly, when the Buddha Candrasūryapradīpa arose from samādhi, the sūtra he expounded was named Saddharmapuṇḍarīka; today, after Śākya arises from samādhi, he must also expound the Lotus Sūtra. Third, clarifying the identity of the number of kalpas during which the sūtra was expounded: formerly, the Buddha Candrasūryapradīpa expounded the sūtra for sixty kalpas; today, Śākya's exposition of the Dharma should also match the number of kalpas; therefore the sūtra text below says, "In this interim, fifty minor kalpas passed." Fourth, clarifying the identity of the person who undertakes dissemination: formerly, Varaprabha disseminated the Lotus [Sūtra] for eighty minor kalpas; today, Śākya's disciples should also have persons who disseminate the sūtra, and indeed below there are Bhaiṣajyarāja and others who disseminate this sūtra.