妙法蓮華經玄贊 9.95

9.95

The purpose of its appearance has three aspects: First, within the first division of four chapters that explain praise, valuing, and dissemination, the initial three chapters praise and value the persons and the Dharma, encouraging people to disseminate it; this single chapter concerns the assembly of that time respectfully upholding it. Second, according to the twelve chapters that explain the sphere of the Single Vehicle, this is divided into three: the initial eight chapters above directly explain the three faculties of provisional and real receiving prophecy; the next three chapters above praise the persons, extol the Dharma, and encourage upholding and practice; this single chapter on "Upholding" concerns receiving the command, relinquishing the provisional, and upholding and practicing the real Dharma. Hence this chapter appears. Third, the treatise states: "The power of upholding has three aspects, namely the 'Dharma Master Chapter', the 'Peaceful Practices Chapter', and the 'Encouraging Upholding Chapter'. 'Dharma Master' pertains generally to that which upholds and that which is upheld; 'Peaceful Practices' pertains solely to that which is upheld; this chapter explains solely that which upholds." Hence this chapter appears.