妙法蓮華經玄贊 5.7

5.7

Resolving objections: First question: If this chapter is named the "Parable Chapter" because it uses parables to make the principle clear, then the preceding chapter, which directly revealed the Dharma, should have been named the "Dharma Chapter." Answer: While by analogy between earlier and later it should in principle be so, the establishing [of names] varies; why deliberate over the cause? It is simply that "expedient means" is a specific meaning within the Dharma, whereas "parable" is a general designation for analogies; since general and specific differ, the derived names are consequently distinct, and they cannot be compared to each other. Second question: Why is this alone named solely by "Parable," while the other [chapters with parables] combine specific names? Answer: Although there are seven parables, this is the very first; thus although it marks the general designation, it is itself its specific name, because the other chapters are not simply named "Parable." Third question: The understanding and prophecy of those of medium faculties are separately marked as "Belief and Understanding," so the understanding and prophecy of those of superior faculties should by principle also be separately opened; why is it that the beginning of this chapter is used to clarify Śāriputra's understanding, prophecy, and so forth? Answer: The text and meaning of the understanding and prophecy of those of medium faculties are extensive and lengthy, which is why they are separately opened. For Śāriputra it is not so, hence it is explained here by lodging it [in this chapter]. Furthermore, it is because of Śāriputra's understanding, prophecy, and request that the parables and analogies are set forth; therefore at the beginning of this [chapter], his understanding and prophecy are lodged and clarified.