法華論疏 2.174

2.174

"Relying on whatever names, words, and phrases" explains the "various kinds of words and phrases" above. "In accordance with whatever sentient beings" means in accordance with the myriad kinds of sentient beings; hence there are various kinds of words and phrases. However, Master Kumārajīva's sūtra text lacks these four kinds of merits, saying merely: "Ever since I attained Buddhahood, through various causes, conditions, and parables, I have broadly expounded the verbal teachings." "Various causes and conditions" should correspond to the third of the four. "Broadly expounded the verbal teachings" can correspond to the fourth merit. "Various parables" can correspond to the second. It lacks the first, "various skillful means". Why is this? Because all skillful means are subsumed within the countless skillful means; thus at the beginning there is no separate "skillful means". Question: What is the sequence of these four kinds of merit? Answer: All Buddhas abide in the eight aspects of attaining awakening. The first clarifies the merit of abiding. As for why they abide in the eight aspects: the Tathāgata knows defilement and knows purity. In order to cause sentient beings to abandon defilement and attain purity, there is the second, the merit of edification. To transform beings, one must inwardly be replete with all virtues, thereby according with the Dharma; hence there is the third, ultimate merit. With virtues replete within, he skillfully expounds them outwardly; hence there is the fourth, the merit of expounding the Dharma. These four encompass the meaning of transforming beings; hence they are collectively called the merits of a Dharma master.