妙法蓮華經玄義 7.73

7.73

Fifth, extensive explanation: indeed, without the original source there is no way to manifest traces; if one can understand the traces, one also knows the original source. For those who have not yet understood, we distinguish it once again. However, the ultimate dharma-kāya of the original source is subtle, wondrous, profound, and far-reaching; if the Buddha did not speak of it, even Maitreya would remain in the dark—how much more so those of lower stages! How much more so ordinary worldlings! Nonetheless, one cannot fail to know the age of one's parents; how could one allow oneself not to recognize the merits of the Tathāgata? Now, briefly relying on the purport of the sūtra, we vaguely infer and seek it out.