妙法蓮華經玄義 10.2

10.2

大章第五、釋教相者，若弘餘經，不明教相，於義無傷；若弘《法華》，不明教者，文義有闕。但聖意幽隱，教法彌難。前代諸師，或祖承名匠，或思出神衿，雖阡陌縱橫，莫知孰是。然義不雙立、理無兩存，若深有所以，復與修多羅合者，錄而用之；無文無義，不可信受。南岳大師心有所證，又勘同經論，聿遵佛語，天台師述而從用，略明教為五：一、大意。二、出異。三、明難。四、去取。五、判教。

Major Section 5: Explaining the characteristics of the teachings. If one propagates other sūtras without clarifying the characteristics of the teachings, it does not harm the meaning; if one propagates the Lotus Sūtra without clarifying the teachings, the text and meaning are deficient. However, the sage's intention is profound and hidden, and the method of the teaching is exceedingly difficult. Former masters either inherited [teachings] from famous craftsmen or conceived them from divine inspiration; though their crisscrossing paths ran in all directions, none knew which was correct. Yet contrary meanings cannot stand together, and conflicting principles cannot both be preserved. If a view has a profound basis and accords with the sūtras, it should be recorded and employed; if it lacks textual basis and principle, it cannot be trusted and accepted. The Great Master of Nanyue had personal realization in his mind, verified it against sūtras and treatises, and faithfully complied with the Buddha's words. The Tiantai master expounded and followed them, briefly clarifying the teachings in five parts: 1. The general intention; 2. Stating differences; 3. Clarifying difficulties; 4. Rejection and adoption; 5. Classifying the teachings.