妙法蓮華經文句 1.3

1.3

The preface states: The ultimate principle has no name, yet its name flows beneath the four heavens; the true vehicle is motionless, yet in its motion it transcends the three realms. Realization and teaching remain serene amid phenomenal matters, and the siddhāntas transform beings in accord with conditions; guiding them without premeditation, how great is its efficacy! As for the Saddharmapuṇḍarīka-sūtra, it was spoken when the Benevolent Hero appeared in the world for the sake of the one great matter of causality. Yet medicinal herbs and trees are not identical, receiving moisture and developing differently; the capacities [of beings] are not uniform, and the teachings they receive likewise diverge. When [the Buddha] deployed the expedient, it was the Dharma wheel of the Four Noble Truths in the Deer Park; when he revealed the real, it was the pure land of the threefold transformation at Vulture Peak. Its purport is profound and its phrasing exalted; the person is revered and the Path is elevated. It discloses the distant origin of the [Tathāgata's] lifespan and harmonizes the recent traces of Gayā. Raining, blowing, striking, and preaching, it discards the fish traps and rabbit snares of former expositions; opening, demonstrating, awakening to, and entering, it captures the fish and hares of the present teaching. Bodhisattvas numerous as dust motes advance on the Path and diminish rebirths; śrāvakas in grass huts feel ashamed of the small and delight in the great. Bhaiṣajyarāja burned his arms in offering, and Prabhūtaratna presented his whole body in verification; perfectly consummate, subtle and profound, it cannot be expressed in words.