法華文句記 8.41

8.41

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.