法華義疏 2.83

2.83

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.