法華文句記 2.93

2.93

Next is the explanation of the specific preface (entering the third fascicle of the Words and Phrases). "Specific preface" receives its name in contrast to the general, spoken tentatively in contrast within the relevant teaching. The two passages concerning the Buddha and his disciples before and after the sūtra can be understood. Furthermore, if viewed from the Tathāgata's final bequest, then the general preface is solely general and the specific preface is solely specific. If viewed from the Tathāgata's appearance in the world down to the present sūtra in contrast to the past, the intent of this specific preface is specific yet also partakes of the general, because broadly recounting the past pertains solely to the present sūtra; the text of the general preface is general yet its intent is specific, its specificity lying in the present, which is universally true across all sūtras. If one discusses general and specific straightforwardly in terms of the past: the text of the general preface is general and its meaning is general, because the section encompasses the various teachings; yet it also has a meaning that is general while its intent is specific, its specificity lying in the various flavors; the text of the specific preface is specific and its meaning is specific, having no relation to other sections, like holding the bowl and joining the palms, matters pertaining to the sūtra at hand; yet it also has a meaning that is specific while its intent is general, because it extends through the various teachings. Furthermore, the text of the general preface may be general while its intent is specific, because the teachings matched to it differ in number according to the section; and the text of the specific preface may be specific while its intent is general, because it broadly recounts the number of teachings within the section, which is so in order to pervade both general and specific. The two prefaces set against each other naturally divide their designations. In the present sūtra, that it is said to broadly recount the past means: expounding the Dharma reiterates emergence; emitting light illuminates both gradual and sudden; only the raining of flowers and the shaking of the earth exclusively symbolize this scripture, its hidden meaning not yet declared; entering samādhi encompasses both opening and combining in meaning; the rejoicing of the assembly is an elation and stirring surpassing the past, distinguishing the past from the present; doubts and thoughts engage both past and present, hesitating about the future; answering questions broadly recounts the three identities, comprehensively gathering the teachings of an entire lifetime. Since the sūtra's intent is profound and far-reaching, its preface is also extraordinary; therefore other sūtras merely initiate [the discourse] directly.