法華玄論 6.36

6.36

Second, determining the overarching meaning. First, generally outlining the three parables; next, clarifying the asking for carriages. Generally outlining the three parables: 1. asking for carriages; 2. bestowing carriages; 3. rejoicing at receiving the carriages. These three belong to successful conversion through the Great Vehicle, and are thus combined into one section. They may correspond to three matters above: First, corresponding to the three matters at the end of the 'Skillful Means' chapter: asking for carriages corresponds to the earlier 'I see the Buddha's sons and others give rise to the Mahāyāna capacity'; bestowing carriages corresponds to the earlier 'Among the bodhisattvas, directly setting aside skillful means, I preach only the unsurpassed Way'; rejoicing at receiving carriages corresponds to the earlier 'When the bodhisattvas hear this Dharma, their web of doubts is completely eliminated, and the twelve hundred arhats will also all become buddhas.' Second, corresponding to the three matters in the 'Parable' chapter: asking for carriages corresponds to Śāriputra conveying the doubts and regrets of trainees and adepts; bestowing carriages corresponds to the Buddha responding to the request and preaching the Dharma; rejoicing at receiving carriages corresponds to those of middling faculties grasping and understanding in the 'Belief and Understanding' chapter. Third, corresponding back to the three matters in the 'Skillful Means' chapter: asking for carriages corresponds to the assembly's attachments being shaken and doubts arising during the three requests; bestowing carriages corresponds to the Buddha responding to the request and preaching extensively; rejoicing at receiving carriages corresponds to Śāriputra grasping and understanding.