妙法蓮華經玄義 6.43

6.43

Now briefly stated, there are four: first, hidden capacity and hidden response; second, hidden capacity and manifest response; third, manifest capacity and manifest response; fourth, manifest capacity and hidden response. What are their characteristics? If one practiced the three actions well in the past, and does not currently employ body and mouth, relying on the power of past good—this is called hidden capacity. Although one does not visibly see a wondrous response, one is secretly benefited by the dharma-kāya; without seeing or hearing, one senses and knows—this is called hidden benefit. Second, concerning hidden capacity and manifest benefit: one cultivated good in the past and hidden capacity is already mature; then one is able to meet the Buddha and hear the Dharma, obtaining benefit before one's eyes—this is manifest benefit. For example, when the Buddha first appeared in the world, did those first delivered people ever practice in the present? The Buddhas, illuminating their past capacity, went themselves to deliver them; that is the meaning. Third, concerning manifest capacity and manifest response: diligently exerting body and mouth in the present without laxity, one is able to bring down a response. Like Sudatta kneeling and the Buddha going to the Jetavana, or Yuegai bowing low and the sage residing at the threshold. Or like practitioners today bowing and repenting in the bodhimaṇḍa, able to stimulate auspicious omens—this is manifest capacity and manifest response. Fourth, concerning manifest capacity and hidden response: like a person who, although laboring diligently for an entire lifetime and accumulating dense present good, does not visibly stimulate, yet secretly possesses its benefit—this is manifest capacity and hidden benefit.