妙法蓮華經玄贊 1.77

1.77

Furthermore, there are six assemblies: 1. Prabhūtaratna; 2. the emanations; 3. the dragon palace; 4. those welling forth from the earth; 5. Gadgadasvara; 6. Samantabhadra. In these assemblies there are two groups, because there are differences in hearing the Dharma and realizing the Dharma, practicing the Dharma and upholding the Dharma, preaching the Dharma and protecting the Dharma. Here there are six differences: First, among the three vehicles, there are no pratyekabuddhas; pratyekabuddhas mostly appear in an era without a buddha, and though the teaching extends to them, at that time no fruit is achieved, so they are not in the assembly. The *Benevolent Kings Sūtra* contains them, and below the text also mentions those who seek that [vehicle]. Second, among the three realms, there is no formless realm; those illuminated by the light who have affinity may come to hear the Dharma, but the light does not reach that realm, nor are their faculties mature, which is why they do not come. The *Benevolent Kings [Sūtra]* has them as well. Third, among the five destinies, there is no hell; although the light shines upon them, lacking affinity they do not come. Coming involves two factors: first, being illuminated by the light; second, having affinity. When the light reaches the hells, lacking affinity they do not arrive; the formless realm lacks both, which is why they do not come. Progressing and training in the Single Vehicle necessarily relies on a body of leisure and ease; those oppressed by the suffering of the hells have no leisure to train. The *Dhāraṇī Sūtra* originally aims to quell all sufferings, and through its powerful force, those in the hells also come. This sūtra is for progressing in goodness, and since they lack leisure, they do not come. The reason the light shines upon them is to cause revulsion to arise upon seeing it, and to cause them, upon seeing the light, to arouse the aspiration so that their suffering ceases. Fourth, among the four assemblies, there are no upāsakas or upāsikās; they are fully listed below under the fulfillment of deportment, being omitted initially for brevity. Fifth, among the eight classes, there are no yakṣas or mahoragas; they are also fully present below. Sixth, among the two kinds of kings, there are no cakravartin kings, but only lesser kings; they are also fully present below. These latter three absences are all fully listed below in the clarification of the fulfillment of deportment upon which they rely.