法華玄論 10.4

10.4

Answer: The commentary on the sūtra says: 'Realizing the profound mystery of the lifespan, the spirit congeals in the realm beyond boundaries; how could it induce differences and variations in the number of rebirths? Because the strong mind is not uniform and the locus of the spiritual capacity's arousal differs, these stages and ranks differ to show them to trainees. Since perceptions of form are empty, the concentration of cessation can be cultivated; entering understanding, the mind opens, and only thereafter do they unite; therefore it speaks of eight rebirths. As for four rebirths, the mind of the four immeasurables arises, and through this they awaken; therefore it speaks of four rebirths. As for three rebirths, residing in the principle to transform beings necessarily relies on the three penetrations; therefore it speaks of three rebirths. As for two rebirths, emptiness and existence are both obscured, and the dharma gate is non-dual; therefore it is called two rebirths. As for one rebirth, the wondrously subtle root is exhausted in the single culmination; therefore it is called one rebirth.'

Evaluation: Although the lifespan transcends physical form, one who speaks of awakening must have a bright pearl. Since one admits the gradual stages of the ten stages, what prevents an ascent and descent in rebirths? Since the sūtra has sincere words, one should not explain them tortuously. I venture to say it is not so; I will explain it fully below.