法華文句記 9.4

9.4

Although this 'Peaceful Practices Chapter' is for initial practitioners, it also uses the three virtues to entitle the chapter, because within this one chapter there is nothing that is not the three virtues and the practices of the three virtues. Within this, there are five parts: first, a general explanation in terms of three meanings; second, clarifying the purpose of the four practices; third, clarifying the sequence of the four practices; fourth, clarifying the difference in the essence of the four practices; fifth, the direct commentary. The first part has two: first, listing them; next, explaining them. In the explanation, there is first a brief and then an extensive [treatment]. In the brief [treatment], first, explaining in terms of concrete matters: the two karmas are peaceful and joyful, advancing the practice of the oral karma of propagating the sūtra. In applying this to the text, there are two parts: first, applying it to the 'Dharma Master [Chapter]'; next, applying it to the present chapter. The first passage is entirely based on the three virtues and the three guidelines. If the dharmakāya possesses the practice of the three virtues, it causes the adorned dharmakāya to be at peace. Thus the text of the Profound Meaning says: 'The dharmakāya in its bare essence is neglected and slighted by gods and dragons.' Therefore, it is fully endowed with the three dharmas, which together guide the practice of propagating the sūtra.