妙法蓮華經玄義 10.104

10.104

若涅槃醍醐滿教，別論在第五時，通論亦至於初。何者？《釋論》云：「從初發心，常觀涅槃行道。」前來諸教，豈無發心菩薩觀涅槃耶？《大經》云：「我坐道場菩提樹下，初成正覺，爾時無量阿僧祇恒沙世界諸菩薩，亦曾問我是甚深義。然其所問句義功德，亦皆如是，等無有異。如是問者，則能利益無量眾生。」此則通至於前。

As for the Mahāparinirvāṇa-sūtra's clarified-butter full-word teaching, discussed specifically it is in the fifth period, but discussed generally it also extends to the beginning. How so? The Mahāprajñāpāramitōpadeśa says: 'From the initial arousal of the aspiration, one constantly contemplates nirvāṇa and practices the Way.' In the preceding teachings, how could there be no bodhisattvas who had aroused the aspiration contemplating nirvāṇa? The Great Sūtra says: 'When I sat beneath the bodhi tree at the site of enlightenment and first achieved correct awakening, at that time immeasurable asaṃkhyeyas of bodhisattvas from worlds numerous as the sands of the Ganges also asked me about this profound meaning. And the phrasings, meanings, and merits of their questions were also just like this, equal and without difference. Those who ask such questions are able to benefit immeasurable sentient beings.' This, then, extends generally to the beginning.