佛祖統紀 3.146

3.146

述曰。玄云。今佛靈山八年說法。涅槃臨滅。則已同在八年。此時同也。玄云。法華大王饌。涅槃醍醐。此味同也。又玄云。二經教意。起盡是同。此開顯同也。四教儀引涅槃云。從摩訶般若出大涅槃。故合法華為第五時也。

Commentary: The Miaoxuan states: 'The present Buddha expounded the Dharma at Gṛdhrakūṭa for eight years. Approaching his parinirvāṇa, it was already within these same eight years; this is the identity of period.' The Miaoxuan states: 'The Lotus is the great king's feast, and the Nirvāṇa is clarified butter; this is the identity of flavor.' Furthermore, the Miaoxuan states: 'The intention of the teachings in both sūtras is identical from beginning to end; this is the identity of opening and revealing.' The Sijiaoyi cites the Nirvāṇa [Sūtra], stating: 'From the Mahāprajñā emerges the Mahāparinirvāṇa.' Therefore, the Lotus is combined [with the Nirvāṇa] as the fifth period.