法華玄論 5.6

5.6

Answer: The Buddhas of the three periods of time possess only embodiment and teaching. Within these two, there are the provisional and the real; therefore, they must be opened and revealed. Once these two are opened and revealed, the twelve divisions of scripture and the eighty thousand treasuries of Dharma can be luminously understood. As for the expression 'opening the gate of skillful means to reveal the real': some say that previously in the Deer Park, people's spiritual capacities were still mixed, and [the Buddha] extensively taught the three vehicles without yet clarifying the one principle. At that time, using the provisional, he concealed the real; thus the principle of the one vehicle was closed off by the provisional teaching. Now at the Royal City (Rājagṛha), in response to the conditions, he caters to great spiritual capacities and discloses the real. Once the real is disclosed, the previous teachings are abolished. Because the previous teachings are abolished, the gate of skillful means is opened; and once the one principle is manifest, the true mark is revealed. Therefore, it is said, 'opening the gate of skillful means to reveal the true mark.' This is the interpretation of Guangzhai (Fayun). In appraisal: Concealing the one with the three, and revealing the one while removing the three—it is not that this meaning is lacking. However, the sūtra speaks of 'opening the gate of skillful means,' not 'removing the gate of skillful means'; this is not an [accurate] explanation. Just as when worldly people open a gate, it is not removing the gate. Scrutinizing the purport of the sūtra text, it is precisely about opening and covering, having nothing to do with abolishing and establishing.