大方廣佛華嚴經疏 49.30

49.30

Eighth, the analogy of gradual descent bringing to maturity illustrates the immutable voice, because all reach the ultimate. Above, it first illuminated the high mountains to reveal the sudden and perfect; here, it proceeds from small to great, which is the gradual and perfect. That it is about to send down the rain of Dharma means considering the desire to speak the one [vehicle]. That it does not immediately send it down is for fear of destroying the Dharma and causing beings to fall into evil paths. First raising the Dharma-clouds represents expounding expedient means. Expedient means contain the real, just as clouds contain water.