妙法蓮華經文句 4.66

4.66

Each has its reason. In the concluding assembly of the Avataṃsaka-sūtra, the gradual [teaching] was just beginning to unfold, and attachment to the small had not yet been broken; therefore, they remained seated yet were blocked off. Now, in the Dharma of all buddhas, after a long time they must preach the real truth; precisely wishing to destroy transformations and break open the huts, it was appropriate that they be screened and sent away. If departing and remaining would both cause slander, it would be appropriate to preach forcefully as Xigen did. In this case, departing brought benefit, so why should he have made them stay? Remaining would bring harm, so why should he not send them away? Xigen preached forcefully out of benevolence; the Tathāgata sent them away out of compassion.