法華義疏 8.52

8.52

From "Kāśyapa, the Tathāgata is also like this" downward is the second [section], matching the parable [to its referents]. It only matches seven parables and does not match the parable of the great earth, because the great earth is the Buddha's teaching of the past, while here it is directly clarifying the present Dharma-gate, so it is briefly omitted and not matched. In matching the seven parables, it is opened into two sections: first, matching the former five parables; next, matching the latter two parables of the rain of sameness and difference. Because the former five parables explain the past teachings and the latter two parables distinguish the present teaching, it is thus opened into two passages to match them. Matching the first five parables is again opened into two: first, directly matching the five parables; next, adducing the parables to align with them. In matching the former five parables, the dynamic shifts to clarify meanings differently from the parabolic exposition: first, matching the parable of the cloud; second, matching the parable of the grasses and trees; third, matching the parable of the rain; fourth, matching the parable of receiving moisture; fifth, matching the parable of growing. The reason this differs from the root parable is that the root parable intended to explain that response arises on account of evocation, hence it previously explained the grasses and trees and subsequently distinguished the cloud and rain. Now it intends to explain that first there is the Tathāgata's appearance in the world proclaiming his virtuous titles, so it first matches the cloud; sentient beings, hearing the proclamation of the virtuous titles, therefore come to the Buddha's abode, so next it matches the grasses and trees; since sentient beings have come to the Buddha's abode, the Tathāgata then preaches the Dharma for them, so next it matches the parable of the rain; sentient beings, hearing the Dharma, rejoice, so next it matches the parable of receiving moisture; each receiving benefit, it next matches the parable of growing.