法華經義記 5.7

5.7

"Śāriputra, if there are sentient beings who inwardly possess the nature of wisdom..." From here down applies the fourth section above: the sons accepting and practicing. Above it was said: "At that time the sons, hearing what their father said of the precious playthings, found it suited their desires." But within the sons accepting and practicing above, there were originally four stages; here it completely applies those four stages above, but the pedagogical method is different: in the parable above it simply treated the followers of the three vehicles collectively in four stages, whereas here it directly applies them in four stages separately for each of the three vehicles, and afterward cites the external parable to attach an application, thus making three sets of four stages, directly applying them and then attaching the applications. Now, to first make the four-stage direct application regarding the śrāvaka vehicle: the initial words "hearing the Dharma from the Buddha, the World-Honoured One, they faithfully accept it" apply the first stage above, "each eager and vigorous in heart," giving rise to the wholesome roots of an external ordinary person. The phrase "diligent and vigorous" applies the second stage above, "pushing and jostling one another," giving rise to the wholesome roots of an internal ordinary person. "Wishing quickly to escape the three realms and seek nirvāṇa for themselves" is the third stage, applying the third stage above, "vying with each other to run out": hearing the Buddha preach the Dharma, the followers of the śrāvaka vehicle advance into signless practice, and through the path of counteracting contemplation on the vision of truth, sever the fetters. "This is called the śrāvaka vehicle" is the fourth stage, applying the fourth stage above, "scrambling out of the burning house," attaining the fruit of an arhat. From "Just like those sons..." downwards, it cites the external parable and attaches the application.