法華義疏 1.3

1.3

Regarding the differences of category, there are briefly seven cases: First, the sūtra of a single assembly constitutes a work in its own right, as in the Daśabhūmika Sūtra and the like. Second, multiple assemblies together constitute a single work, as in works like the Avataṃsaka Sūtra. Third, the initial portion of a sūtra constitutes a single work, as in the six-fascicle Nirvāṇa Sūtra. Fourth, two complete portions together constitute a single work, as in the Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra. Fifth, an abridged recension constitutes a single work, as in the Aṣṭasāhasrikā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra and the like. Sixth, an expanded recension constitutes a single work, as in texts like the Pañcaviṃśatisāhasrikā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra. Seventh, a single chapter constitutes a single work, as in the case of the Avalokiteśvara [Chapter]. Now, among these seven types, this Lotus [Sūtra] is a complete recension; if judged according to the Sanskrit text, it should be an abridged exposition, containing six thousand verses.