妙法蓮華經玄贊 2.312

2.312

The commentary states: Below, in the thirty-eight verses detailing matching affairs, the five causes are divided into two: the first twenty-nine verses versify the great cause of experiential fruition when the Buddha was present and expounding it; the later nine verses versify the remaining four causes of carrying out teaching after extinction. The first part is divided into four: the first twenty and a half verses versify displaying marks matching the present; the next four verses versify proclaiming extinction with differences and identifications; the next two and a half verses versify the prophecy of future buddhahood; the last two verses versify manifesting entry into nirvāṇa. Within the first twenty and a half verses on displaying marks matching the present, there are six: first, one verse on accomplishment of the assembly; next, one on accomplishment of time; next, two and a half verses on accomplishment of comportment; next, ten and a half verses on accomplishment of the cause of preaching; next, one and a half verses on accomplishment of the desire to hear; finally, four verses on accomplishment of the answer. This is the first. The first two lines versify being in worldly life; the latter two lines versify going forth.