法華玄論 9.65

9.65

答：下方明眾多者，顯久已成佛，故所化眾多也。樹以立為義，今明開寶塔，樹立法身也。昔懼物起謗，故不得顯壽長遠；今道緣既發故喜無畏，所以居樹師子座也。

Answer: Clarifying the multitude of the assembly from the lower region demonstrates that he attained buddhahood long ago; therefore, those whom he has transformed are numerous. A tree has the meaning of establishment: here it clarifies opening the jewelled stūpa to establish the dharmakāya. Formerly, out of fear that beings would give rise to slander, the longevity of his lifespan could not be revealed; now, since the conditions of the Path have arisen, he rejoices without fear. This is why he sits on a lion throne under a tree.