法華文句記 1.3

1.3

Regarding "Words and Phrases" (wenju): "Words" (wen) refers to written graphs throughout the entire text from start to finish; thus it is said that wen are just written graphs, which serve as the basis for both [names and phrases]. "Phrases" (ju) refers to syntactic pauses, with their sense extending to long or short; thus it is said that a name expresses the self-nature [of a thing], while a phrase expresses distinctions. Here, moreover, we do not discuss matter, formations, and other such essences; now we merely divide the text by phrases, and therefore call it "Words and Phrases." Ancient commentaries and subcommentaries were sometimes titled simply as shu (subcommentaries) or simply as zhang (chapters). Zhang means an elegant composition, as the Book of Odes says: "When the gentlemen of that capital speak, their words form polished chapters (zhang)"; it also means chapter sections, dividing the explanation into several chapters. A subcommentary (shu) is an expression that conveys meaning; it also means a record (ji). Furthermore, the sound shu denotes opening a path, setting out items, and carving through. That none of these are used now has the intent explained above.