法華文句記 8.41

8.41

「何故」下更難？何故界內凡夫開為三百？界外聖人但為三百。此問意者離分段界內應短，迷佛道界外應長，如何却短？「此引」下答可見。「若爾」下更難。若也今經是了義者，何故實少而言多？實多而言少？「佛道」下答，界內雖少以有墮苦而難行，界外雖多已住法性而易進。約行論難易，非約地近遠，故所說者真了義也。

From “For what reason” onward, it objects further: For what reason are the ordinary beings within the realm opened up into three hundred, while the noble ones beyond the realm are only two hundred? The intent of this question is: leaving behind the inconceivable transformation within the realm should be short, whereas being deluded about the Buddha-path beyond the realm should be long; how then is it shorter? From “This citation” onward, the answer is readily seen. From “If so” onward, it objects further: If indeed the present sūtra is of definitive meaning, for what reason is what is actually less spoken of as more, and what is actually more spoken of as less? From “The Buddha-path” onward is the answer: Although within the realm is less, because there is the suffering of falling, it is difficult to traverse; although beyond the realm is more, because they already abide in dharma-nature, it is easy to advance. It is discussed in terms of the difficulty and ease of practice, not in terms of the nearness or farness of the stage; therefore, what is spoken is truly of definitive meaning.