法華玄論 5.47

5.47

Next is the clarification of unfolding and combining. Combining the three rounds, there are two purports: the first round is called 'teaching by citing proof and drawing parallels', and the latter two rounds are called 'direct teaching'. Regarding 'teaching by citing proof and drawing parallels': by extensively citing the four buddhas as proof, it explains that Śākyamuni is parallel to them; the latter two rounds no longer cite proof and draw parallels, but directly expound parables and past causes and conditions. Because demolishing the three and revealing the one runs counter to sentient grasping and is initially difficult to believe, one must first extensively cite the buddhas as proof, and only then explain that Śākyamuni is parallel to them. Once citing proof and drawing parallels is completed, the latter two rounds need only teach directly. Furthermore, in the first round the persons are extensive and the teaching is concise. 'Persons are extensive' means explaining the five buddhas. 'Teaching is concise' means it is only one round of teaching. Next, in the latter two rounds, the teaching is extensive and the persons are concise. 'Teaching is extensive' refers to two rounds of teaching. 'Persons are concise' means only explaining one buddha, Śākyamuni; because the teaching of Śākyamuni below serves as the basis for making parables, we know that the parable teaching only explains the teaching of Śākyamuni. Past causes and conditions also only explain Śākyamuni establishing connections, not mentioning other buddhas as masters and disciples, so it is the teaching of Śākyamuni. Furthermore, the first round is called 'distinct teaching', meaning it distinctly explains the teachings of the five buddhas; the latter two rounds are called 'general teaching', meaning the parables can penetrate generally across the five buddhas, and the 'Conjured City' is also like this. Furthermore, the first two rounds are called teaching the present, while the next one round is called teaching past dharmas. Furthermore, the first two rounds explain the fruit, while the latter one round distinguishes the cause.