法華義疏 5.3

5.3

The reason why this chapter comes next is that although the text of this sūtra has seven scrolls, its principle returns to the equal great wisdom. However, in entering this great wisdom there are various gates: some enter through the gate of preaching through Dharma, some enter through the gate of preaching through parables, and some enter through the gate of preaching through both Dharma and parables. If one awakens to and enters great wisdom because of these three gates, then all three kinds are gates; if one fails to awaken to and enter it because of these three gates, then all three kinds are not gates. Hence the Nirvāṇa Sūtra says: "Some take amṛta and their life span is prolonged; some take amṛta and their lives are harmed, dying prematurely. The amṛta of unimpeded wisdom is the so-called Mahāyāna scriptures; such Mahāyāna scriptures are also named mixed poison." However, persons of superior faculties, having heard the preaching through Dharma, have already understood and do not depend on parables. Hence the Nirvāṇa Sūtra says, "It was only for persons of sharp faculties that he preached the nine classes of scriptures of the Mahāyāna, omitting parables"—this is precisely that matter. Those of medium faculties are not yet able to forget words and grasp the Dharma; hence, hearing the preaching through Dharma, they did not understand, but they can wait with an open mind for parables; therefore he preaches parables for them. Furthermore, the exposition of teachings varies according to customs: the words of China mostly rely on Dharma, whereas the language of India mostly adduces analogies and parables. In the past, Zhang Qian sought the source of the Yellow River and reached the country of the Da Yuezhi; seeing an Indian envoy arrive, he questioned him, saying: "What are the customs and affairs in that land like?" The envoy replied, saying: "In that country, when fighting they ride elephants, and in speech they mostly adduce analogies and parables." The Buddha appeared in India and conformed to their customs; therefore, he established parables.