法華玄論 5.7

5.7

Others say: Simply designating the three as skillful means is precisely opening the gate of skillful means. Why is this so? Formerly, it was not stated that the three are skillful means, so the gate of skillful means was closed; now, designating the three as skillful means, the gate of skillful means is opened. Revealing the true mark: once the three are designated as skillful means, that reveals the one to be real. This is the explanation of Daolang of Hexi. In appraisal: This captures the sūtra's purport. Why is this so? Formerly, the three vehicles were said to be real, which used the real to close off the skillful means, so the gate of skillful means did not open. Now, clarifying that the three vehicles are skillful means, the gate of skillful means is opened. This is abolishing the reality of the three and opening the skillful means of the three; therefore, it says 'opening the gate of skillful means.'