法華經義記 8.45

8.45

This chapter differentiates the amount of merit gained from hearing the *Lotus Sūtra*, hence it serves as the chapter title. Within the fourth section of explaining the fruition, which broadly explains the long duration of the lifespan to sever doubts and generate faith, there are themselves three sections: first, properly explaining the long duration; second, generally conferring prophecies; third, from Maitreya uttering verses onward, clearly showing shared understanding. Now, from here onward is the second, conferring prophecies, within which there are themselves three sections: first, explaining the narrator's account of the assembly at that time hearing the exposition of the lifespan and showing aspects of gaining understanding; second, properly conferring prophecies; third, the narrator properly recounting the aspects of the devas making offerings.