法華經義記 8.41

8.41

From "The Buddha said: 'I too am like this'" onward is the second [section], the application of the parable. Here the third parable is omitted from the application, applying only the other three. Now, to apply the first parable first: above, in opening the parable, there were originally four [elements]. The single phrase "I too am like this" applies the first [element]: "just like an excellent physician, wise and intelligent." From "since I attained Buddhahood, immeasurable and boundless [kalpas have passed]" onward applies the fourth parable: "having a reason on business, he traveled far to another country," without applying the second and third parables. Above, the second stated: "thoroughly practiced in compounding medicines, he was skilled at curing multiple illnesses"; the third stated: "that man had many sons, whether ten, twenty, or even up to a hundred." From "for the sake of sentient beings" onward applies the second [parable]: benefiting beings through supernormal powers in the present. In the parable there were originally three [elements]; here the first and second parables are not applied, applying only the third parable, [namely] manifesting extinction while not becoming extinct. Within this third parable there are themselves three [points]: first, explaining that upon seeing the Buddha they do not produce reverence; second, explaining that an era with a Buddha is difficult to encounter; third, explaining that manifesting extinction nevertheless produces reverence. Here it applies only the second parable, that an era with a Buddha is difficult to encounter, within which there are themselves three stages: first, from "the father had this thought" onward explains that an era with a Buddha is difficult to encounter; second, from "he then uttered these words" onward explains proclaiming extinction; third, from "having given this instruction" onward properly explains entering nirvāṇa. Here it applies only the second stage of proclaiming entry into nirvāṇa, without applying the first and third stages. From "nor can anyone [say that I am guilty of falsehood]" onward applies the fourth parable above, that benefiting beings is not false.