法華玄論 8.45

8.45

Answer: The dharma words of all buddhas of the three times and ten directions do not exceed three; the occasion at the Deer Park was the initial turning of the dharma wheel, demonstrating why all buddhas expound their Dharma in three preachings. Second, because sentient beings have three [levels of] spiritual capacity, it is expounded thrice. The hundredth fascicle of the *Commentary* states: "There are three kinds of recipients of the Dharma: those of sharp faculties awaken upon hearing it once; those of medium faculties understand only after hearing it twice; those of dull faculties awaken only upon the third exposition." The *Vibhāṣā* also makes this determination.