法華論疏 2.226

2.226

As for the fourth, 'perfection of preaching': up to this point, the expansion of the previous three skillful means is completed; now it expands upon the fourth, the perfection of preaching. Regarding the text, there are two parts: first, from the beginning up to the end of these seven kinds, causing the merits of sentient beings themselves to be perfected, which clarifies that the Tathāgata expounds the Dharma to cause sentient beings' own practice to be perfected. Second, from "perfection of teaching and transforming" onwards, it clarifies that the Tathāgata expounds the Dharma to cause the practice of transforming others to be perfected. In the previous explanation of the manifestation of auspicious signs, the eight kinds such as the great rain of Dharma also possessed these two: the first six kinds were that the Buddha wished to cause sentient beings' own practice to be perfected, and the latter two dharmas caused the practice of transforming others to be perfected, which is why the auspicious signs were manifested. Now, arising from samādhi to preach the Dharma for the sake of beings likewise causes both virtues to be perfected. Within the perfection of one's own virtue there are two parts: first, the sūtra is extensive; second, the treatise is brief. Within the sūtra being extensive there are two parts: first, citing the section heading, generally expanding and stating the reasons for the number seven.