法華玄論 5.38

5.38

答：此不明為三根故有三說，但所樂各異，故教門不同。又三周說者，欲示中道相，故若一說二說則太少，若過三說則太多；今欲示中道相不多不少，故但三說。又《釋論》云「諸佛語法，事不過三。」今依佛規矩，故但三說也。又三執難改、一乘難信，故須三說。又示上尊大法、下愍眾生，慇懃至三。

Answer: This does not explain that there are three preachings because of the three capacities, but merely that because what they delight in differs, the gates of teaching are not the same. Furthermore, preaching in three cycles is intended to show the characteristics of the middle way: if there were one preaching or two preachings, it would be too few; if it exceeded three preachings, it would be too many. Now, wishing to show the characteristics of the middle way as neither too many nor too few, it is preached only three times. Furthermore, the *Upadeśa* says: "As for the Dharma of the words of the buddhas, matters do not exceed three." Now, following the Buddha's model, it is preached only three times. Furthermore, the three attachments are difficult to alter, and the one vehicle is difficult to believe; hence three preachings are required. Furthermore, it demonstrates that above, one honors the great Dharma, and below, one pities sentient beings, being earnest and attentive up to three times.