法華義疏 3.100

3.100

With respect to the two sections, preceding and following, each is divided into four parts. The four parts of the initial text are: first, briefly opening the three and revealing the one to shake attachments and give rise to doubt; second, when attachments are shaken and doubt arises, expressing doubt and presenting an entreaty; third, extensively opening the three and revealing the one to sever doubt and give rise to faith; fourth, explaining the dissemination. The reason there are these four sections is that the present assembly's capacity for the Great [Vehicle] was already activated, and it was appropriate to open the teaching of the ekayāna; however, their attachment to the three had lasted so long that it could not yet be extensively clarified, so [the Buddha] briefly opens the three and reveals the one to shake attachments and give rise to doubt. The followers who had received the teaching suddenly heard an unprecedented exposition, so their attachments were shaken and doubt arose, leading them to express doubt and present an entreaty. That attachments were shaken meant they could be eliminated; that doubt arose meant it could be resolved. Since they made an entreaty, he accepted the entreaty and spoke extensively, shattering those three attachments, severing that one doubt, and giving rise to faith and understanding—this completes the first cycle of preaching. Wishing to reach far into the future, he next explains the dissemination.