法華論疏 1.22

1.22

From "Reverence to the Muni Lord" downward is the second, specifically venerating Śākya Buddha and the Saṃgha. Why is specific veneration necessary? The Three Jewels have both identical substance and distinct substances; therefore both general veneration and specific veneration are necessary. Furthermore, Śākya is the current lord of the teaching; wishing to explain the teaching he spoke, one must venerate the person who expounded the teaching. Within the text there are again two parts: the first half takes refuge and venerates the Buddha and Saṃgha; the latter half expresses the intent of composing the treatise. The two sections each have two parts. Regarding the two of the first section: first, the two characters "reverence" recount the utmost sincerity of the one capable of veneration; next, the eight characters praise the supreme culmination of the object venerated.