法華義疏 1.183

1.183

凡有二義：一、就本意；二、約義前後。本意者，聲聞之人所以出家修道者，正畏老病死故斷貪瞋癡，以貪欲心致病，瞋恚致老，愚癡致死故，《法華》雇於窮子，正令除糞，蓋是小乘之大宗也。二、義前後者，小乘之人正欣涅槃無為安樂，但要前斷煩惱方得涅槃，故前離後得也。故〈信解品〉云「先取其價然後除糞」，即其證也。

There are two meanings in general: first, in terms of the original intent; second, with regard to doctrinal sequence. As for the original intent, the reason śrāvakas go forth to cultivate the path is precisely because they fear old age, sickness, and death, and therefore sever greed, hatred, and delusion—because a mind of greed causes sickness, hatred causes old age, and delusion causes death. Therefore, the hiring of the poor son in the *Lotus Sūtra* was precisely to have him remove dung, which is the great central theme of the Hīnayāna. Second, regarding doctrinal sequence: persons of the Hīnayāna precisely rejoice in the unconditioned peace and joy of nirvāṇa, but they must first sever defilements before they can attain nirvāṇa; hence relinquishment comes first and attainment afterwards. Therefore, the Belief and Understanding Chapter says, "First take your wage, and only then remove the dung," which is its proof.