法華論疏 2.151

2.151

The eight phases of achieving awakening are precisely eight skillful means; hence it says "various". If according to the Foxing lun (Treatise on Buddha-nature), there are fourteen kinds of skillful means: 1. manifesting previous life events; 2. manifesting birth in Tuṣita Heaven; 3. descending from heaven and receiving intermediate existence; 4. entering the womb; 5. emerging from the womb; 6. learning arts and skills; 7. childhood games; 8. leaving home; 9. ascetic practices; 10. going to the Bodhi tree; 11. crushing the army of Māra; 12. realizing the Buddha path; 13. turning the Dharma wheel; 14. entering parinirvāṇa.