法華義疏 9.171

9.171

「高原」者，譬法華教也。法華教於二乘為難信，故稱高原。又取佛道難得為譬，所以言於高原求水也。「穿鑿求之」者，謂書寫受持如穿鑿也。「猶見乾土去水尚遠」者，未生三慧故去佛遠也。「施功不已」者，讀誦解釋如說修行深求法華，發生三慧故去水近也。

"High plateau" is a parable for the Lotus teaching. The Lotus teaching is difficult to believe for the two vehicles, hence it is called a high plateau. Furthermore, taking the Buddha path as difficult to attain as a parable, it is therefore said that one seeks water on a high plateau. "Digging into it in search" refers to copying, receiving, and upholding it being like digging. "Still seeing dry earth, being still far from water": because one has not yet generated the three kinds of wisdom, one is far from the Buddha. "Exerting effort without ceasing": reading, reciting, explaining, practicing as preached, and deeply seeking the Lotus, generating the three kinds of wisdom, hence one is near to the water.