法華玄論 6.93

6.93

Answer: The old [masters] said that the Śrīmālādevī-sūtra is an explicit teaching (nītārtha) that speaks in terms of principle and reality; therefore, there is no asking. This sūtra speaks in terms of the pedagogical teaching; therefore, there is asking. Critical appraisal: As this point was already extensively explained in the "Expedient Means" chapter regarding the commonalities and differences between the two sūtras, it is now stated again. If the Śrīmālādevī-sūtra explains in terms of principle while this sūtra is based on pedagogical teaching, this also differs from the old interpretation. It clarifies that practitioners of the three vehicles clung to the past teaching, taking it to be ultimate, and therefore did not ask; now that the present teaching reveals there are no three, they accordingly ask the Buddha for the three.