法華經義記 8.67

8.67

This chapter clarifies that the Tathāgata possesses eight kinds of supernatural power, which provides the title of the chapter. Within [the broader rubric of] transforming others through propagation, there were originally three sections; the first five lines and one character in this chapter are the second section, [regarding] those capable of propagating the sūtra, who accept the mandate to propagate without divergence. From 'At that time the World-Honoured One' downward, six and a half chapters of the sūtra are the third section, properly clarifying that the Tathāgata formally entrusts the sūtra. As explained earlier: within these three sections, the former one and the latter one each have three sections, while the middle one does not divide. Now, here there are three: first, this half-chapter first clarifies the conditions giving rise to the entrustment; second, the single 'Chapter on Entrustment' properly clarifies the entrustment; third, the five chapters of sūtra clarify and demonstrate the models and rules for people to propagate the sūtra. Now, in clarifying the conditions giving rise [to entrustment], there are two sections: first, the prose; second, the verse recitation. Within the prose there are inherently two sections: first, clarifying the supernatural powers; second, based on this, praising the sūtra and exhorting its practice. Now, within the clarification of supernatural powers there are two parts: first, listing the assembly present for whom [they are displayed]; second, properly clarifying the supernatural powers, which are eight in all. And the text forms six sections: first, clarifying the broad tongue and emitting light, combined as one section; from 'At one time' downward is the second section, which clarifies two kinds of supernatural power, namely coughing and snapping the fingers; from 'the earth trembled' downward is the third section, clarifying the fifth supernatural power, intending to cause the sentient beings of the six paths all to arouse the intention to propagate the sūtra; from 'the sentient beings therein' downward is the fourth section, clarifying the sixth supernatural power, which properly clarifies that the Tathāgata's supernatural power causes the great assembly to see clearly throughout the ten directions; from 'instantly the devas' downward is the fifth section, clarifying the seventh supernatural power, which clarifies that the devas proclaim and announce so as to cause sentient beings to make offerings; from 'the various scattered objects' downward is the sixth section, clarifying the eighth supernatural power, indicating that the various good deeds practiced elicit the future fruition of Buddhahood. From 'At that time the Buddha addressed Viśiṣṭacāritra and others' downward is the second section in the prose, which based on this continues to praise the sūtra and exhort its practice.