法華經義記 4.19

4.19

Now, regarding the first parable, that of the master of the house, which is also called the general parable: it clarifies that Śākya, like all buddhas, transforms beings of the five turbidities first with the three [vehicles] and then with the One [Vehicle]. Grouped by kind, there are in total six points, which form six stages: first, it directly clarifies the sameness of the master of the house; second, it clarifies the sameness of the place of transformation; third, it clarifies the sameness of the gateway of transformation; fourth, it clarifies the sameness of the persons transformed; fifth, it clarifies the sameness of the matter being rescued from; sixth, it clarifies the sameness of those receiving transformation. What are these? First, to clarify that Śākya, like all buddhas, is the master of transformation—this is the meaning of the elder. Second, to clarify the sameness of the place of transformation: this master of transformation equally manifests in response within the three realms, yet these three realms belong to the Tathāgata—this is the meaning of the elder possessing a great house. Third, to clarify the sameness of the gateway of transformation: when beings of the five turbidities turn against the stream and exhaust the source, they must rely on the Tathāgata's verbal teachings. The function of these verbal teachings is capable of conducting sentient beings out of the house that is the ocean of suffering to the place of sublime joy—this is the meaning of the elder's house having only a single gate. Fourth, to clarify the sameness of the persons transformed: those who are taught and transformed are sentient beings of the five destinies—this is the meaning of there being five hundred persons in the elder's house. Fifth, to present the sameness of the matter being rescued from: sentient beings of the three realms are completely scorched and oppressed by the five turbidities and the eight sufferings—this is the meaning of there being a fire in the elder's house. Sixth, to clarify the sameness of those receiving transformation: among the sentient beings of the five destinies, those who can truly receive transformation possess the capacity of the three vehicles; the capacity of the three vehicles is no different from the meaning of the thirty sons. Although there are five hundred persons, not all share the elder's inherent nature; those who are linked to his inherent nature are thirty persons. Now, among these six points, only the sameness of the master of the house is present in the preceding exposition by dharma; the remaining five points appear only now in the parable.