法華玄論 1.61

1.61

Answer: The "Parable" chapter states: "At that time the elder reflected thus: 'Should I bring them out of the house using the lap of my garment or using a small table?'" Reflecting thus is the wheel of reading others' minds. Using the lap of his garment is the wheel of supernatural powers. Using a small table is the wheel of preaching the Dharma. In the matching of the parable, it says, "The Tathāgata again thought: 'If I were to use only the power of supernatural abilities and the power of wisdom...'" which is just this matter. However, at the time of his initial attainment of the way, he wished to transform beings through the three wheels and cause them to enter the one vehicle, but their capacities and conditions were not yet capable; only now could he employ them. Therefore it is not the same as in the past.