法華經義記 4.13

4.13

"At that time, the fourfold assembly": from here on is the second [part], clarifying that the gods rejoice upon seeing Śāriputra receive prophecy. The reason they rejoice is precisely because their minds are impartial: now that Śāriputra has received prophecy, they hope that they too are included in this category; therefore they rejoice. Within this, there are naturally both prose and verses. Also within the prose, there are naturally two parts: first, clarifying that the great assembly sees Śāriputra receive prophecy; second, directly clarifying their rejoicing, within which there are three points: the phrase "their minds were greatly rejoiced" clarifies the joy of mental karma; from "each took off the upper robe they wore" on clarifies the offerings of physical karma; from "and made this statement" on clarifies the praise of verbal karma. In the verses, there are three [stages]: three and a half verses clarify joy from hearing the Dharma; the next two verses clarify joy from seeing the prophecy received; the next verse clarifies dedication of merit.