妙法蓮華經玄贊 3.29

3.29

The four unhindered understandings are differentiated through three categories: first, listing their names; second, distinguishing their characteristics; third, identifying their intrinsic nature. Listing their names: first, the unhindered understanding of dharmas; second, the unhindered understanding of meanings; third, the unhindered understanding of expressions; fourth, the unhindered understanding of eloquence. Distinguishing their characteristics: "dharmas" refers to the expressing names, phrases, letters, and teachings; "meanings" refers to the expressed ultimate and conventional principles of truth; "expressions" refers to the sounds and speeches of various regions; "eloquence" refers to the seven kinds of eloquence. Cognitions that take these four as objects without obstruction or impediment are called unhindered understandings. There are many distinctions, as explained in the "Viniścaya-saṃgrahaṇī," the "Bodhisattvabhūmi," and the Daśabhūmika-śāstra. Identifying their intrinsic nature: these four take untainted subsequent cognition as their substance, because they do not [directly] realize truth; the unhindered understanding of meanings also extends to correct cognition. They are partially attained at the first bhūmi, effortlessly purified of obstacles and fully brought to perfection at the ninth bhūmi, and completely fulfilled at the buddha-fruition.