法華義疏 8.208

8.208

宿世因緣說凡有三品，例前二周皆應有四：一、正說；二、領解；三、述成；四、授記。今明雖有三品，宜分為二：初品正說，後兩品明授記，其中並明領解，不可別開。所以但明二者，諸佛說法有略有廣，前為利人是故廣說，後為鈍人故所以略明。

The exposition of past causal conditions comprises three chapters in total; by analogy with the previous two cycles, all should have four sections: first, direct exposition; second, expressing understanding; third, endorsing and affirming; fourth, conferment of prophecy. Here it is clarified that although there are three chapters, they should properly be divided into two: the first chapter is the direct exposition, and the latter two chapters explain the conferment of prophecy, wherein expressing understanding is also explained, so they cannot be separately divided. The reason why only two are explained is that the Buddhas expound the Dharma either briefly or extensively: previously, for people of sharp faculties, it was expounded extensively; later, for people of dull faculties, it was therefore briefly explained.