法華經義記 6.46

6.46

Within the second parable, that of that which is received, there are two parts: first is the root belonging to that which is received, and second directly sets forth that which is received. 'Dense clouds spread widely, covering the great trichiliocosm'—this is the first, the root belonging to that which is received, the root being the clouds. In internal application, the Tathāgata's physical form and verbal teaching are used as the parable for the clouds. 'Pouring down equally at one time, their moisture is pervasive'—this is the second, directly setting forth that which is received; that which is received is the rain, used as a parable for the Dharma proclaimed by the Tathāgata's verbal teaching. That is, the rain covers sentient beings equally just as heaven rains upon grasses and trees equally; it simply clarifies that although these grasses and trees equally receive the rain from heaven, their growth has degrees of higher and lower, just as sentient beings equally hear the Buddha preach the Dharma, yet the increase of their good roots has distinctions of higher and lower.”