法華遊意 1.39

1.39

The chapter ‘Faith and Understanding’ says: “The elder sat upon a lion seat, surrounded by his retinue, with precious things laid out”—this refers to the fundamental teaching of the Avataṃsaka. “Unable to call his son back, he therefore secretly dispatched two men, took off his fine robes and ornaments, and put on ragged and filthy clothes”—this refers to concealing the one and preaching the three, which means the branch teaching. Just as the wealthy elder knew his son’s disposition was low and inferior, and tamed his mind before teaching him the great wisdom, this refers to the teaching that gathers the branches back to the root. Furthermore, the ‘Parable’ chapter says that although that elder had strength in his body and hands, he could not use it, but only with earnest upāya urged and saved his sons from the disaster of the burning house, and afterwards gave each of them a great cart of rare jewels. The first phrase refers to concealing the root, the next phrase refers to giving rise to the branches, and the final phrase refers to gathering the branches back to the root; these are clear proofs of the three turnings of the wheel.