法華文句記 6.23

6.23

There are two meanings here: first, long-standing attachment; second, entering the stages. Understanding breaks attachment; when attachment is broken, one enters the stages of the abodes. Ordinary beings lack this [burden of entrenched attainment] and may therefore grasp it more easily. Due to these two meanings, voice-hearers have not yet realized it despite hearing it; and among their long-standing attachments, their faculties and natures differ, which is why three grades are distinguished. In the sūtra, regarding “hearing what had never been heard before” and so forth: they heard the four sections regarding Śāriputra, which did not exist in the past teachings. Taking the five buddhas’ chapter as the criterion, they realized, “We do not possess the Buddha's knowledge and vision,” and verified that what was attained in the past was devoid of the real. Failing to distinguish the identity and difference between the present and the past reality, they therefore said they had doubts. In the phrase “making a universal request on behalf of the four assemblies” and so forth: