法華玄論 6.28

6.28

答：此依小乘教，令證小乘果。若說自知成佛，豈求小乘耶？譬本義八重第一序來意，有此文來者凡有二義：一者頌上長行、二者為下譬本。所以為譬本者，利根已解，中根未解，故復以譬還辨前法。是以先法為後譬本也。

Answer: This is based on the Hīnayāna teaching, to cause them to realize the Hīnayāna fruit. If it were explained that they spontaneously know they will become Buddhas, how would they seek the Hīnayāna? In the eightfold [analysis of] the fundamental meaning of the parable, the first introduces the purpose of its occurrence. That this text occurs has altogether two meanings: first, to versify the preceding prose; second, to serve as the basis for the subsequent parable. The reason it serves as the basis for the parable is that those of sharp faculties have already understood, while those of middling faculties have not yet understood; therefore parables are again used to clarify the preceding doctrine. Hence the preceding doctrine serves as the basis for the subsequent parable.