妙法蓮華經文句 8.3

8.3

There are twenty-one and a half verses, which versify the exposing of traces and conferring of prophecies above. First, there are fourteen verses that versify exposing the traces; next, seven and a half verses that versify conferring the prophecy. The first also has two parts: the former seven verses generally expose the traces of all the śrāvakas, versifying the meaning of "we" above; the latter seven verses versify the exposing of the traces of Pūrṇa above. In the general [section] there are five parts: first, one verse generally marks that the practice of the Buddha's disciples is inconceivable, they having already attained the Dharma of descending in traces. Next, from "knowing that the assembly delights in lesser dharmas" downward is the second, one verse, clarifying the reason for descending in traces. Next, from "with countless expedient means" downward is the third, two verses, clarifying the benefit of descending in traces. Next, from "inwardly concealing" downward is the fourth, two verses, clarifying inwardly harboring the Great Way while outwardly manifesting the faults of the small. Next, from "if I fully" downward is the fifth, one verse, pointing out the abbreviation to restrain the extensive. "Lesser desires" manifests seeking the Hīnayāna; "indolence" manifests falling back from the Mahāyāna. They not only manifest as śrāvakas, but also appear as non-Buddhists and as ordinary beings of the three poisons: Śāriputra manifested anger, Nanda manifested greed, and Devadatta manifested delusion, and so forth.