法華玄論 7.16

7.16

Third is explaining the three conversions. As for the three conversions: first, the initial conversion; second, the following-along conversion; and third, the ultimate conversion. These three conversions subsume the eight parables. The 'initial conversion' refers to expounding the Mahāyāna in the past. The 'following-along conversion' refers to when, after turning their backs on that conversion, they wandered through the five destinies, and the bodhisattva followed them into saṃsāra to teach and convert them. The 'ultimate conversion' refers to their seeing each other as father and son, understanding the one vehicle, receiving prediction of buddhahood, and attaining irreversibility; this is called the ultimate conversion. Alternatively, initially preaching the vehicle of humans and devas is the initial conversion; preaching the two vehicles and, for over forty years prior to the Lotus Sūtra, following along without abandoning them is the following-along conversion; and preaching the Lotus Sūtra so that they receive prediction of buddhahood is the ultimate conversion. Alternatively, initially preaching the two vehicles as a provisional enticement is the initial conversion; when sentient beings then clung to this and rested content without seeking further progress, the Tathāgata never abandoned them, either causing them to speak the great Dharma themselves or having them hear others speak the great [Dharma], which is called the following-along conversion; and when they arrive at the Lotus Sūtra and finally attain awakening, this is the ultimate conversion. Alternatively, initially preaching the Mahāyāna prajñā teaching is called the initial conversion; from Prajñā onward, hearing various vaipulya sūtras in succession is the following-along conversion; and ultimately awakening to the one vehicle and bringing forth the great fruit, like the autumn harvest and winter storage, is the ultimate conversion. Alternatively, currently preaching only the Lotus Sūtra for them is the initial conversion; from this point forward up to the tenth stage, constantly teaching and transforming them is the following-along conversion; and when reaching the stage of equal awakening with the vajra-mind, transforming them to attain the perfection of the stage of wondrous awakening is called the ultimate conversion. Furthermore, donning the armor [of resolution] at the initial mind is called the initial conversion; variously converting them in the interim is the following-along conversion; and resting only upon attaining buddhahood is the ultimate conversion.