法華義疏 2.170

2.170

From 'Expounding the classic scriptures' downward is the third part: recapitulating the gate of the teaching. Regarding the text, there are two parts: first, recapitulating the fundamental Dharma-wheel of the ekayāna; next, recapitulating the branch Dharma-wheel of the triyāna. Since the buddhas of the east have these two teachings, using the other illuminates this, clarifying that prior to Śākyamuni's preaching of the Lotus Sūtra, these two were also present; hence the Avataṃsaka is the fundamental Dharma-wheel, and next preaching the triyāna refers to the branch teaching. Recapitulating the fundamental Dharma-wheel has three distinct parts: first, clarifying that a buddha in one direction preaches the ekayāna; second, discerning that the places differ while the Dharma is identical, extending by analogy to all buddhas; third, clarifying the intent of preaching the teaching, which generally clarifies all buddhas. 'Expounding the classic scriptures' refers to the teaching that is the expressive medium of the ekayāna. 'Subtle, wondrous, and supreme' refers to the principle of the ekayāna that is expressed. 'His voice is pure, sending forth gentle sounds' praises the voice capable of proclaiming the teaching. Being able to wipe away defilement is 'pure'; according with faculties and conditions is 'gentle'—these are the functions of the voice. Furthermore, the Buddha's voice is not turbid, which is called 'clear'; the Buddha's speech is not clamorous, which is called 'pure'; the Buddha's speech is maximally harmonious, which is called 'soft'; and being free from harshness, it is called 'gentle'. 'Teaching the bodhisattvas' refers to the conditions to which the teaching applies; because the fundamental Dharma-wheel is not mixed with the triyāna, it only mentions bodhisattvas. Preaching the ekayāna must possess four matters: namely, the above expressive text, the expressed principle, the voice capable of proclamation, and the bodhisattvas being transformed.