妙法蓮華經文句 4.31

4.31

Eighth, clarifying that awakening has degrees of shallowness and depth: In a general sense, they all equally break through ignorance and enter realization of the first abidance, but upon close examination there must be distinctions of brightness and dimness. If merely hearing the initial preaching of the dharma still enables entry into the buddha wisdom, how could hearing the preaching through parables not bring further clarity? Furthermore, when they hear the past affinities, their comprehension naturally increases and advances; and when they subsequently hear the 'Lifespan' [chapter], it becomes even more profound and excellent. Just as one who listens to the dharma finds that hearing it again surpasses the former occasion, comparing the single with the repeated and the thin with the thick makes this clear.