法華文句記 4.103

4.103

第八悟有淺深者，此無古師，於中又四：初略明所以，辨有淺深有明晦故。次「初開」下釋淺深意，既云初聞法說已入佛慧，佛慧之語住中不專一品故也。或唯初住，或二三四乃至十地，三節增進理實如然。如釋惟忖中云先入今入，故今入之言該於四節，即三周壽量也。但先入者顯密不同，恐不了前意，故重云耳。三「如聽」下舉凡況聖、舉麁況細，若再聞無益，初亦徒聞，四節加功理應增進，或至一生良由此也。四「單複」下引事，如寒得衣重重漸勝。「厚薄」者釋單複也。

Eighth, regarding awakening having shallowness and depth: here there are no ancient masters. Within this, there are also four parts: first, briefly clarifying the reason, distinguishing that there is shallowness and depth because there is brightness and dimness. Next, the passage beginning 'Upon first opening' explains the meaning of shallowness and depth: since it says that upon first hearing the exposition of Dharma they have already entered buddha-wisdom, the phrase 'buddha-wisdom' in the abodes is not restricted to a single grade; it may be only the first abode, or the second, third, fourth, up to the ten grounds; progressing across three periods is truly like this in principle. As in the explanation of reflection, it speaks of 'having entered previously and entering now'; hence the word 'entering now' covers the four periods, namely the three cycles and the 'Life Span.' It is just that among those who entered previously, the explicit and esoteric differ; fearing that the previous intent was not understood, it is stated again. Third, the passage beginning 'As when listening' uses the ordinary to illustrate the noble, and the coarse to illustrate the subtle: if hearing again brings no benefit, the first hearing was also in vain; applying effort across the four periods should in principle bring progression, and that some reach one birth remaining is truly due to this. Fourth, the passage beginning 'Single and doubled' cites facts: like getting clothes when cold, layer upon layer gradually becomes superior. 'Thickness and thinness' explains single and doubled.