佛祖統紀 4.6

4.6

The commentary states: The opening and revealing of the Lotus had already abolished expedient means, yet those not yet ripened still required accommodation. Therefore, on the verge of entering extinction, he reapplied the expedients of the three teachings to reveal the reality of the One Vehicle; this is the intent of subsequent preaching (the meaning is found in the 'Chapter on Holy Practice'). However, the five thousand had already formed conditions previously and briefly heard the opening and revealing; now in this assembly it was subsequently preached for them again. Since they recognized the permanent right in that seat, he had to apply and immediately abolish them; this is the intent of subsequent effacement (the meaning is found in the 'Chapter on the Virtuous King'). Subsequent preaching means reapplying, and subsequent effacement means reuniting. That the Lotus had already applied and already abolished was the former round; that the Nirvāṇa reapplied and re-abolished was the latter round. The Qian's saying that 'the Nirvāṇa reapplies expedient means' and further saying that 'effacement means convergence' are both this meaning.