Question: If the [teachings concerning] reality were already complete in the Vaipulya^*[Sūtras], then all should be called “subtle.”

Answer: Now, one should not determine certain time periods for teachings; why do you speak of “just the Vaipulya”?²⁷² Even if we make distinctions [such as superior or inferior], this has its reasons. The reason is that, [for example,] bodhisattvas of high competence are able to comprehend the subtle [teaching] through these [Vaipulya Sūtras] no different than from [comprehending the subtle teaching through] the Lotus Sūtra.²⁷³

Bodhisattvas of dull faculties and those of the two vehicles are still wrapped up in [the conventional] expedient means and controlled by worldly tastes. The Vaipulya period contains the “curds” teachings; it teaches the subtle in contrast to the crude. The Prajn͂āpāramitā Sūtras contain the “butter” teachings; they teach the subtle in contrast to the crude. This Lotus Sūtra lacks the expedient means of the above two [groups of] sūtras: it teaches only the true “ghee” of the subtle in contrast to the crude. The meaning of “subtle” in this [Lotus Sūtra] and in those [Vaipulya and Prajn͂āpāramitā Sūtras] is not different. They are different only in that one contains expedient means and one does not contain expedient means.²⁷⁴

*

Sūtras falling into the vaipūlya category include the Prajñā-pāramitā Sūtra, the Avataṃsaka Sūtra, the Ratnakūṭa collection of sūtras, and the Chinese Nirvāṇa Sūtra. Oxford Reference Dictionary return

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In other words all teachings are preached either implicitly or explicitly at all times. If this is a correct reading of Chih-i here, then can it not be interpreted as a criticism of later attempts such as the Tien-t’ai ssu chiao i to produce a strict and rigid classification system? return

273

In other words, some people who are particularly insightful can realize the ultimate, complete and perfect truth just by being exposed to the teachings of the Āgama, Vaipulya Sūtras, or Prajn͂āpāramitā Sūtras, even though it is the Lotus Sūtra which is the final complete teaching which contains the naked truth without any embellishments or expedient devices. return

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For details on this subject of doctrinal classification see Hurvitz, Chih-i and Chappell’s translation of the Tien-t’ai ssu chiao I [An outline of the Fourfold Teachings]. Chih-i also discusses this subject in more detail later in the Fa hua hsüan I [Profound Meaning of the Lotus Sutra]. return