法華經義記 8.21

8.21

From "and spoke verses, saying" onward is the second [part], the verses. However, in the prose above there were originally two sections; now these eight and a half lines versify the above two sections, but the text forms three sections: one line and three phrases versify the first [point], "I am their teacher"; the next two lines and three phrases versify the second, answering about their bodily persons; next, from "The power of their determination and mindfulness is firm" onward, four lines universally versify the preceding two sections. Within the second [division of] two lines and three phrases, there are four [points], which correspond to Maitreya['s questions]. The single phrase "They dwell in this world" answers the first, "From what place have they come?" The one line from "Constantly practicing dhūta practices" onward answers the second, "By what cause and condition have they gathered?" The one line from "Such sons as these" onward answers the third, praising the bodhisattvas. The half line from "In the Sahā world" onward versifies the answer to the fourth phrase, "From where have they come?"