妙法蓮華經文句 7.10

7.10

From “The Tathāgata at that time” up to “energetic or indolent” is fourth, matching the second metaphor above, that of the plants and trees. The old [commentators] said: This text is a redundant insertion and does not correspond to what came before. I now clarify: In the metaphor above there were distinctions of plants and trees, differing in being large or small; here it clarifies that faculties are sharp or dull, and practices are energetic or indolent. This is precisely the depth or shallowness of habitual causes, which is identical in meaning with the plants and trees—how could it not be matching the metaphor, such that it is called a redundant insertion? “At that time”: If speaking of the beginning of the gradual [teachings], it is the time of first preaching the three vehicles in the Deer Park; if speaking of the middle period, “at that time” can be discussed in each and every place. “Sharp and dull”: Comprehensively evaluated, the three miserable destinies, because their causes are evil and their fruits are suffering, cannot receive the path, and are termed “dull”; the seven expedient means, hearing the teaching and gaining benefit, are termed “sharp”. Specifically evaluated, humans and gods merely receive retribution and are unwilling to receive the path, and are termed “dull”; those with the dispositions of the three vehicles cut off delusions and transcend the realms, and are termed “sharp”. Furthermore, śrāvakas contemplate arising and ceasing and are termed “dull”; bodhisattvas contemplate non-arising and non-ceasing and are termed “sharp”. [The same applies to] the shared, distinctive, and perfect [teachings] (and so forth). Indolence in the three miserable destinies is termed “indolent”; humans and gods upholding the five precepts and ten virtues is “energetic”. Humans and gods not revulsion-weary of suffering is “indolent”; the two vehicles dreading impermanence is “energetic”. The two vehicles craving realization and not seeking to become buddhas is “indolent”; bodhisattvas aspiring to seek the Buddha path is “energetic” (and so forth). From “according to what they can bear” to “quickly gaining good benefit” is fifth, matching the fifth metaphor above, that of receiving moisture. “According to what they can bear” is precisely matching and tallying with the capacities and suitability [of beings], free from the error of addition or subtraction. “Rejoicing and gaining good benefit” is precisely each receiving the moisture of the Dharma and gaining benefit.