妙法蓮華經文句 5.24

5.24

From "Do not have any doubts" downward is the fifth [section], two and a half lines, which praises non-falsity as above, again in two parts: first, one and a half lines [state] not to give rise to doubts regarding a trustworthy person; next, the one line from "You, Śāriputra..." [states] not to give rise to doubts regarding a trustworthy Dharma. As for "Dharma King": when one is a human king his words are not two; when the Buddha is the Dharma King, how could he permit false speech? Expedient means may well be provisional and false, but how could the real truth be empty? Having heard the Dharma King preach the Dharma, do not give rise to doubts. Formerly [commentators held that] the seven lines from "You, Śāriputra" downward do not reiterate urging faith, but are merely the intent in Śākyamuni's section of encouraging faith and propagating the sūtra. That text had two parts: first, five and a half lines bid them propagate the sūtra so that they practice the cause; next, one and a half lines briefly bestow a prophecy. The first line bids them admire the effect and practice the cause, requiring them to propagate the sūtra: having been stored in the Buddha's mind for forty-odd years without others knowing it is called "secret"; the direct path of the One Vehicle universally subsumes the myriad paths, hence it is called "essential." The line from "Because of the evil world of the five turbidities" downward explains the secret and essential, clarifying that those with heavy obstacles can never understand, which is why the Tathāgata kept it secret and did not proclaim it rashly. The two lines from "In future ages" downward clarify the substance of propagating the sūtra: the first line clarifies that one should not preach it to unwholesome persons, and the latter clarifies that one should preach it to wholesome persons. The one and a half lines starting from "Śāriputra" doubly conclude both meanings: the first line concludes the secret and essential, clarifying that this Dharma is like this—first using myriad kotis of expedient means and only then showing the real; the latter half line concludes the substance of propagating the sūtra: those who do not train and study cannot comprehend, which directly concludes not preaching to the unwholesome, while also implying that those who train and study are able to comprehend, and thus to them it may be preached. The one and a half lines from "Since you already know" downward briefly bestow a prophecy: the upper three lines treat their having understanding; the middle line clarifies their being without delusion; the lower half gāthā clarifies their receiving a prophecy. Since they have understanding and are without delusion, they should truly rejoice and become buddhas. Bestowing a prophecy here opens the basis for Śāriputra and others below receiving prophecies; propagating the sūtra here opens the basis for instructing Śāriputra below to transmit [the teaching]—such was the old view.