妙法蓮華經文句 5.60

5.60

From "Knowing what the sons previously favored in their hearts" onward is the second [part], clarifying that there is capacity for being saved. Their having practiced the Small in the past means knowing that their prior inclinations and desires differed, which is knowing that each had what they favored. Furthermore, knowing that sentient beings had practiced the Great in the past, but their practice of the Great was not yet deep, this constitutes the weakness of the Great; weary of old age, sickness, and death, they were received with the Small, which constitutes the strength of the Small. Just as Śāriputra retreated while in the six mental states: originally having practiced the Great is called knowing their previous hearts; midway weary of old age and death is called "each having what they favored."