妙法蓮華經玄義 7.256

7.256

From beside one lotus root, another flower is born, which in turn gives birth to immeasurable lotuses: this illustrates the wondrousness of kinsmen born of karma. A seed falling into the mud from a single lotus receptacle, growing another lotus flower, which in turn gives birth to immeasurable lotuses: this illustrates the wondrousness of kinsmen born of spiritual penetrations. Digging up and transplanting that root, gathering those lotus seeds, and planting them in this pond so that the lotuses flourish: this illustrates the wondrousness of kinsmen born of vows. Flying from that pond like floating gossamer or thin mist, entering into this pond so that the lotuses flourish: this illustrates the wondrousness of kinsmen born of response.