法華義疏 8.45

8.45

From "the plants, trees, thickets, and groves produced" downward is the second [part], explaining the grasses and trees produced. Previously, that which can produce was twofold: the trichiliocosm was general, and the mountains and rivers were particular. Now, what is produced is also twofold: first general, second particular. "Plants, trees, thickets, and groves" explains what is produced in general. "Plants" (hui) is the general name for the myriad grasses; "trees" (mu) is the collective term for the many trees; when grasses cluster they form thickets (cong), and when trees cluster they form groves (lin). This parable explains sentient beings of the five vehicles in general. From "and the various medicinal herbs" downward explains what is produced in particular. Grasses that can cure illness are called medicinal herbs; those produced in particular are numerous, yet it uniquely specifies medicinal herbs because of their efficacy in curing illness and yielding much benefit; this uniquely praises those of middling faculties who grasp and understand, becoming bodhisattvas, continuing the Buddha's work above and benefiting sentient beings below. As for "their varieties are manifold, their names and forms each different," this universally explains the meaning of the distinctions among grasses and trees. "Varieties" (zhong) refers to different kinds; "classes" (lei) refers to grades and categories; it briefly explains that classes of grass are three and classes of tree are two, which can be known when matching the parable. As for "their names and forms each different," names designate their substance, while forms resemble their external appearance, illustrating that sentient beings of the five vehicles have different names and each have distinct essences and marks.