妙法蓮華經玄義 7.252

7.252

蓮有四微，譬真性軌；蓮房內虛，莖藕中空，譬觀照軌；臺房圍遶，譬資成軌。此譬三法乘妙也。

The lotus possessing the four subtle elements illustrates the track of true nature. The lotus receptacle being hollow within and the stem and root being hollow in the middle illustrate the track of contemplative illumination. The receptacle and petals encircling it illustrate the track of auxiliary accomplishment. This illustrates the wondrousness of the vehicle of the three dharmas.