法華義疏 8.41

8.41

From "Suppose that in a major trichiliocosm" downward is the second [section], the exposition in parables. First, setting forth the parable; next, matching the parable [to its referents]. Here we explain this parable text by means of three meanings: first, broadly opened, there are eight parables; second, combining the eight into four parables; third, combining the four into two parables. As for the eight parables: 1. the parable of the great earth capable of producing; 2. the parable of the grasses and trees produced; 3. the parable of the rising cloud; 4. the parable of the downpouring rain; 5. the parable of receiving moisture; 6. the parable of growing; 7. the parable of the same one earth and one rain; 8. the parable of the distinctions among the grasses and trees. These eight parables form a sequential order: first there is the great earth that can produce; next there are the grasses and trees that are produced; because there are grasses and trees, the cloud therefore rises; since the cloud first rises, next rain must pour down; once there are cloud and rain, the grasses and trees then receive moisture; having first received moisture, they subsequently grow; although there are receiving moisture and growing, they are nevertheless all moistened by one rain and produced by one earth; although that which can produce and that which can moisten are one, the various grasses and trees each have their distinctions. Thus, these eight parables proceed in sequence. However, all eight meanings must be complete for the sense of the parable to be consummate. Now, briefly matching them: the Buddha's teachings of past ages, capable of producing, are like the earth; the seeds of good roots of the five vehicles produced are like the grasses and trees; since there are the seeds of the five vehicles that evoke the Buddha's appearance in the world, this is like the rising of the cloud; when the Tathāgata appears in the world, he must teach the true Dharma, which is next explained as the downpouring rain; when sentient beings first receive the Buddha's teachings and rejoice, this is called receiving moisture; their each receiving benefit is likened to growing; the ultimate principle is non-dual, like the one earth and one rain; their receiving different benefits in the five vehicles is like the distinctions among the grasses and trees.