法華經義記 5.8

5.8

"If there are sentient beings..." From here down is the second, again making a four-stage direct application regarding the pratyekabuddha vehicle. The initial words "hearing the Dharma from the Buddha, the World-Honoured One, they faithfully accept it" apply the first stage, "each eager and vigorous in heart": hearing the Buddha preach the Dharma, followers of the condition-enlightened vehicle give rise to the wholesome roots of an external ordinary person. "Diligent and vigorous" applies the second stage, "pushing and jostling one another," giving rise to the wholesome roots of an internal ordinary person. From "seeking unprompted wisdom" downwards applies the third stage above, "vying with each other to run out," clarifying that upon hearing the Buddha preach the Dharma, followers of the middle vehicle advance into signless practice and sever the fetters through the path of counteracting contemplation on the vision of truth. The reason it is called "unprompted" is that the sphere of the two truths is unprompted; here the wisdom receives its name from the sphere, so the wisdom is called unprompted. "This is called the pratyekabuddha vehicle" applies the fourth stage, "scrambling out of the burning house," realizing the fruit of a non-learner. From "Just like those sons..." downwards, it cites the external parable and attaches the application.