法華玄論 6.84

6.84

Answer: One must grasp the intent of the parable. The intent is not about how long or short the time of demanding was; it merely shows foolish sons being ignorant, not grasping their father's intent, and not recognizing the provisional and real, the existent and non-existent, hence approaching their father to demand. Using this to enlighten the assembly of that time, it simply makes them change their attachment to the three. Therefore, the doctrine and the parable do not contradict each other in words. Later, seeing the Saddharmapuṇḍarīkopadeśa explain the text on the three requests, it explains three kinds of meanings: first, the meaning of determination; second, the meaning of doubt; third, what the doubt is based on. As for "determination": there are śrāvakas who through skillful means realize the profound Dharma, generating a determined mind that they have attained the realization of nirvāṇa. This explains that prior to this, having realized and attained nirvāṇa, they gave rise to a determined, ultimate mind, not doubting whether it was ultimate or non-ultimate. If so, if they had already doubted previously, "doubt" means hesitation, and could not be called "determination." Deducing it through the treatise, one knows that prior to this they had not yet demanded; upon hearing the present teaching and giving rise to doubt, they only then demanded.