法華義疏 2.83

2.83

此是相說《法華》，雨華動地表所化成佛相，放光表能化說法華相也。又既說奇特之法必感非常之瑞，蓋是理數之然也。又率爾而說不生尊敬，須驚耳目方乃渴仰。又現瑞發其信心，說法生其悟解。又現瑞令其種福，說法使其植慧。又即是衣裓、机案二種出子，衣裓以譬神通，机案喻之說法也。佛初成道既不得用，今將去世始得用之。

This is preaching the Lotus Sūtra through characteristics: raining flowers and shaking the earth signify the signs of those who are transformed becoming buddhas; emitting light signifies the sign of the transformer preaching the Lotus Sūtra. Furthermore, since an extraordinary Dharma is to be preached, it must induce exceptional omens; this is simply the natural course of principle. Moreover, if preached abruptly, it would not generate veneration; only by astonishing the ears and eyes will they then thirst for it with longing. Furthermore, manifesting omens inspires their faith, while preaching the Dharma generates their awakening and understanding. Furthermore, manifesting omens causes them to plant merit, while preaching the Dharma causes them to cultivate wisdom. Moreover, these are precisely the two kinds of bringing forth children: through the robe-lap and the low table; the robe-lap serves as a metaphor for supernatural powers, and the low table serves as an analogy for preaching the Dharma. When the Buddha first attained the path, they could not yet be used; now, as he is about to depart the world, they can finally be used.