三彌勒經疏 1.28

1.28

Question: The latter two sūtras do not summon the assembly; why does this sūtra summon the assembly? Answer: Now, it is said that when the Tathāgata preaches the Dharma there are certainly manifest signs that summon the assembly, but the compilers [of the canons] sometimes included them and sometimes omitted them, that is all. As for the lotus flower, the lotus flower has five virtues: First, it can cover and conceal, which is an analogy for the elimination of all sins. Second, it can produce fruit, which is an analogy for hearing this sūtra, seeing Maitreya Buddha, and attaining the fruit of the path. Third, its fragrance is smelled from afar, which is an analogy for studying this sūtra and seeing the Buddha, whose heroic fame resounds far and wide. Fourth, it can emerge from the water, which is an analogy for those who hear this sūtra emerging from the ocean of birth and death. Fifth, it can blossom forth, which is an analogy for the present Buddha expounding the wondrous meaning of the subsequent Buddha. The first four virtues represent sentient beings practicing and gaining benefit; the latter one virtue represents Maitreya's causes being fulfilled and attaining the fruit of sarvākārajñatā (omniscience). As for the 'wondrous meaning,' it is because it is sarvākārajñatā.