妙法蓮華經玄義 7.231

7.231

又三譬譬本門者：一、華必有蓮，譬迹必有本，迹含於本。意雖在本，佛旨難知，彌勒不識。二、華開蓮現，譬開迹顯本，意在於迹。能令菩薩識佛方便，既識迹已，還識於本，增道損生。三、華落蓮成，譬廢迹顯本。既識本已不復迷迹，但於法身修道，圓滿上地也。此三譬，譬本門，始從初開，終至本地。

Furthermore, three metaphors illustrate the origin gate: 1. The flower must have a lotus fruit, illustrating that the trace must have an origin, and the trace contains the origin. Although the intent lies in the origin, the Buddha's purport is difficult to know, and even Maitreya did not recognize it. 2. When the flower opens the fruit appears, illustrating opening the traces and revealing the original source, while the intent lies in the traces. It enables bodhisattvas to recognize the Buddha's skilful means; having recognized the traces, they then recognize the origin, increasing in the path and decreasing in rebirth. 3. When the petals fall the fruit is formed, illustrating abolishing the traces and establishing the original source. Having recognized the origin, they are no longer deluded about the traces, but simply cultivate the path in the dharma-kāya, perfecting the higher stages. These three metaphors illustrate the origin gate, from its first opening through to the original ground.