妙法蓮華經文句 2.185

2.185

觀解「萬八千」者，約十八界，論百法界、千性相，即有一萬八千，此等境界佛慧未開，今應當開，故以數表之耳。文云：「從阿鼻獄上至有頂」即六法界也。又見諸佛、菩薩、比丘等，十界具足，故文云：「靡不周遍」，即此意也。若分文屬此土第六相，若屬他土即是總相照他土文。

Regarding the contemplative interpretation of 'eighteen thousand': based on the eighteen realms, if we consider the hundred dharma realms and thousand suchnesses, there are eighteen thousand. These realms have not yet been opened to buddha wisdom, but should now be opened; hence this is symbolized by this number. The text says, 'from the Avīci Hell up to the Peak of Existence,' which are the six dharma realms. Furthermore, seeing buddhas, bodhisattvas, bhikṣus, and so forth shows that all ten realms are fully present; therefore, when the text says, 'there is nowhere it does not pervade,' this is the meaning. If we divide the text, it belongs to the sixth portent of this land; if it belongs to the other lands, it is the general portent of the text illuminating the other lands.